Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out for their distinct clicky feedback and audible sound, making them a favorite among typists who appreciate tactile precision and the satisfying feedback that accompanies each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches offer a completely different experience; as a linear switch, they provide a smooth, uninterrupted keypress without the tactile bump or click. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie an ideal choice for gamers or users who prefer a quieter, more fluid typing experience. While the Kailh Box White V2 is perfect for those who crave auditory and tactile stimulation, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those seeking a soft, seamless touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in contrasting sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Box White V2 employs a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer structure. This property enhances the clarity and resonance when the key is released, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially when utilizing RGB lighting. In comparison, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. As POM is known for its unique acoustic properties, the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound profile offers a more subdued auditory experience when compared to the brighter tones of the Box White V2, appealing to those who may prefer a less pronounced sound.
In terms of bottom housing, the Kailh Box White V2 features a nylon material, which is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic results in a deeper, fuller sound that complements the sharper tones of the polycarbonate top housing. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also constructed from POM, which similarly provides a muted and deeply resonant sound. While both switches exhibit a deeper sound profile thanks to the influence of their respective bottom materials, the nylon of the Box White V2 and the POM of the Sea Salt Smoothie offer different characteristics and tactile sensations during typing, with the nylon potentially providing a greater degree of softness and absorption.
Ultimately, even though the Box White V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches are made with different materials for their respective top and bottom housings, both exhibit unique yet enjoyable sound profiles. The Box White V2's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom create a distinct auditory contrast between the sharp upper tones and fuller lower tones, while the Sea Salt Smoothie maintains a more homogenous deep sound through both its POM housings. Despite these differences, both switches can yield a satisfying typing experience, confirmed by the influence of their respective materials—both sets of housings create a unique blend of sounds that can appeal to different types of users depending on their preference for audio feedback and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that it requires a relatively light touch to register a keystroke, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, indicating a more substantial push feel that some users may find preferable for tactile feedback. While the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, the Box White V2 exhibits a bottom out force of 50 grams, further emphasizing its slight heaviness compared to the actuation force. Therefore, for those who enjoy a lighter feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better choice, while users who appreciate a heavier tactile experience might gravitate towards the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. Overall, the differences in actuation forces highlight the individual preferences that can influence the choice of keyboard switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see that the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This means that the Box White V2 provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times or those who prefer a more responsive feel when typing. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie's longer travel distance might be favored by users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, making it feel less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preferred typing experience; if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better option, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for those who prefer a more traditional and hearty feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by a distinct, sharp click that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This clicky nature makes it a favorite among typists who enjoy an audible confirmation of their input. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound profile that is generally quieter and more subdued. Its sound is less pronounced than that of the Box White V2, making it more suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, though the sound can be influenced by the keyboard and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is notable for its crisp tactile feedback, allowing users to feel a clear point of actuation that enhances typing precision. This tactile response can make for an engaging typing experience, particularly for those who favor a traditional clicky switch. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie provides a much smoother feel as it is a linear switch, which means there are no tactile bumps or clicks. This results in a fluid keystroke that caters to users who prefer a seamless typing experience without any interruption in the key travel.
In conclusion, if you enjoy a more tactile and clicky typing experience, the Kailh Box White V2 will likely appeal to you with its audible clicks and crisp feel. Conversely, if smoothness and a quieter operation are more to your liking, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie will be a better fit, aligning more with a linear typing experience. Each switch offers distinct qualities, so your choice would ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or a smooth and subdued keypress.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory experience while typing and appreciate crisp feedback, the Box White V2 would be a superb choice. Its clicky nature and a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams make it ideal for those who love a more engaging and responsive feel when they type. This switch shines in environments where the sound isn’t an issue, as its audible click can help you confirm each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a premium build, the Sea Salt Smoothie is your key to a more refined typing journey. Characterized by its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, this medium-weight linear switch is perfect for long typing sessions or gaming, where noise can be a distraction and fluid key presses are essential. By carefully considering how you type and what sensory feedback you desire, you can confidently make your decision between these two excellent switches, tailoring your mechanical keyboard experience to suit your unique preferences.
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