Kailh Box White V2 vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock Sea Glass present two distinctly different typing experiences that cater to various preferences and needs. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky nature, delivering crisp tactile feedback and an audible click that many typists and gamers find satisfying and engaging. These switches are ideal for users who appreciate the clear confirmation of each keystroke, making them a great choice for those who enjoy typing or gaming with a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches embody a more subtle approach with their linear design, offering a smooth and frictionless typing experience characterized by a unique dryness and airiness. With a lighter 62g bottom-out force, these switches provide an effortless feel that appeals to those who seek swift and quiet keystrokes, making them a perfect fit for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. While each switch has its distinct advantages, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock Sea Glass switches exhibit distinct characteristics that influence their overall sound profiles, yet they also share certain similarities. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's clarity makes it particularly effective for RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing aesthetic alongside the acoustics. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass employs a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. While this material offers a sound profile that is described as bright but not overly sharp, it lacks the pronounced crispness brought by polycarbonate. This difference leads to unique acoustic experiences, with the Box White V2 providing a more resonant output, while the Sea Glass maintains a balanced brightness without harshness.

On the bottom side of the switch, both models utilize nylon but in various forms. The Kailh Box White V2’s bottom housing is crafted from traditional nylon, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic emanates from nylon’s softer nature, which attenuates sound, resulting in a rounder acoustic experience. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass also employs a blend of nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing, which is likewise described as providing a pleasant auditory experience. However, unlike the Box White V2, its sound profile is characterized as brighter and less pronounced in depth. As a result, while both switches utilize nylon, the nuances of material blends and their inherent properties create differences in the auditory feedback experienced when typing.

When evaluating the combined effects of these differing materials on the overall typing experience, one can notice how the interactions of the top and bottom housings contribute to the final sound output and tactile feel. The Kailh Box White V2's stiffer polycarbonate top pairs with its softer nylon bottom to generate a pronounced sound upon key release and a deeper sound when bottomed out. Meanwhile, the Durock Sea Glass leverages its unique material blend on both the top and bottom, resulting in a more consistent brightness across key presses, but without the pronounced depth of its counterpart. Typists seeking a specific auditory quality should consider which aspects of these housing materials align with their preferences—be it the sharpness of polycarbonate or the balanced brightness of the polymer blend.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we find both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity can lead to a similar typing experience in terms of actuation. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly between the two: the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sea Glass has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Box White V2 offers a lighter overall feel, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming due to reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a firmer feedback when pressing keys. Thus, if one favors a lighter switch for comfort, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better choice, while those seeking added resistive feedback might lean towards the Durock Sea Glass.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Glass measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This means that the Box White V2 is the shorter option, offering a more rapid response ideal for gamers who favor speed over a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Sea Glass, with its longer travel distance, is likely to provide a more pronounced and satisfying bottom-out feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quicker actuations, the Box White V2 would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a switch that gives you a more pronounced sensation when typing, the Sea Glass would be advantageous. Ultimately, the difference in travel distances can significantly influence the overall typing experience based on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their sharp, vibrant click that creates an engaging auditory feedback with each keystroke. This distinct click is not just satisfying to hear; it also serves as an important cue for typists, letting them know their input has registered. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches exhibit a notably softer and more muted sound profile. Their unique construction contributes to a hollow sound signature, making them appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Box White V2 audibly announces each keystroke, the Sea Glass allows for a more subdued approach, making them suitable for environments where sound may be a concern.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches provide a pronounced tactile bump coupled with that signature click, delivering a feedback-rich experience that many enthusiasts crave. This tactile sensation can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a bit of resistance with each key press. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches stand out with their frictionless, mild, and feathery characteristics. Their effortless actuation facilitates a smooth and airy typing experience, minimizing resistance and allowing for rapid or long sessions of typing without excessive fatigue. The Sea Glass switches encourage a more relaxed typing posture, ideal for extended use or for those who appreciate a lighter touch.

In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 and Durock Sea Glass switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, each has its unique strengths. The Box White V2 thrives on providing pronounced auditory feedback with a tactile bump, making it a favorite among those who enjoy clicky switches. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass excites typists with its smooth, lightweight action that emphasizes comfort and a more subdued sound profile. Ultimately, your preference between these two switch types will depend on whether you value auditory feedback and tactile feedback or prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy an audible and tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice, especially for activities like typing or gaming where you value the satisfying click sound and crisp feel. With its lightweight actuation force of 50 grams, this switch offers less resistance, making it suitable for those who desire a more lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more subtle typing feel, the Durock Sea Glass switch will serve you well. With a medium-level bottom-out force of 62 grams, it provides a frictionless experience characterized by an airy sound signature, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and minimal finger fatigue are paramount. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to whether you prioritize audible feedback and tactile engagement or smoothness and subtlety in your keystrokes.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more