Kailh Box White V2 vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options showcase contrasting designs: the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky feedback, delivering a satisfying tactile response and distinct audible click that enthusiasts often seek for a more engaging typing experience. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory signal while typing, adding an element of enjoyment to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a unique twist with its whisper-quiet topping-out sound, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is key, while still providing a satisfying clacky bottom-out feel. Its silky smooth, not overly polished action ensures that users can enjoy a seamless typing experience without the distractions of loud clicks. Both switches have their distinctive advantages, catering to different preferences and settings. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches feature notable housing materials that exhibit similar characteristics, particularly in their top housings made from polycarbonate. As detailed in their descriptions, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clearer, crisper sound profile, leading to a sharper and higher-pitched auditory experience when typing. Furthermore, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, which enhances the visual appeal of RGB lighting. This shared top housing material contributes to an overall sound profile that is consistent across both switch types, providing users with a bright and resonant click when pressing the keys.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Kailh Box White V2 and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches diverge in their design, albeit they are both constructed from nylon. The nylon material, which is known for its softer nature compared to polycarbonate, allows for a distinct sound signature that is characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory output. This means that while the top housing contributes to the high-pitched sound of the keypress, the nylon bottom housing mellows and rounds the sound, creating a balanced acoustic result. As a result, both switches maintain a nuanced sound experience, where the quality of the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out feel and the auditory feedback.
To summarize, while both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches incorporate the same materials for their top and bottom housings, the unique qualities of each housing type create a multi-layered auditory experience. The polycarbonate top housings of both switches ensure a crisp and resonant sound, perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts. Conversely, the nylon bottom housings provide a contrasting depth and fullness to the sound, enriching the typing experience. This duality of materials leads to a harmonious balance, allowing users to enjoy a combination of sharpness from the top and warmth from the bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, clear differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 boasts a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during long gaming sessions or work-related tasks. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as medium in weight, while its actuation force is unspecified. This suggests that the Jwick switch may provide a heavier tactile feedback compared to the Box White V2. For users seeking a more substantial and forceful typing experience, the Jwick may be the preferred choice, while the Kailh Box White V2 is ideal for users favoring lighter actuation. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces indicate that if you value a lighter switch, the Box White V2 is the clear winner, whereas the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear provides a heavier option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear measures at 3.7 mm. This means that the Kailh Box White V2 offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Jwick switch, which may provide a more responsive feel for users who prefer quicker key actuation. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear could appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced key response and a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, users who prioritize speed may opt for the Box White V2, while those who favor a more traditional depth might lean toward the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, it's clear that they cater to very different auditory preferences. The Box White V2 is distinguished by its crisp, pronounced click that provides an audible and tactile feedback with each keystroke, making it very engaging for users who enjoy the acoustic aspect of typing. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile, described as whisper-quiet at the top of the keystroke while still delivering a clacky bottom-out sound. This makes it a suitable choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check, while still providing a satisfying tactile experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a distinct tactile feedback that users often find invigorating, allowing for clear feedback that enhances typing accuracy. The Semi-Silent Linear, on the other hand, is characterized by its silky smooth mechanism that promotes a gentle yet engaging typing experience. With descriptors such as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, the Semi-Silent Linear combines a smooth keystroke with a responsive action, making it less jarring than the Box White V2 while still providing a lively typing experience.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box White V2 excels in delivering a loud, satisfying click along with strong tactile feedback, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more subdued and smoother typing experience. Choosing between them largely depends on whether the user prioritizes an engaging auditory experience or a quieter, refined feel during typing. Both switches can deliver enjoyable experiences, but they do so through markedly different approaches.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use. If you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy the auditory satisfaction of a clicky sound while typing, the Box White V2 would be an excellent option. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it particularly appealing for fast typists or those who appreciate that distinct "snap" with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more muted typing experience—perhaps for an office setting or a quieter home environment—the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is a fantastic choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a solid resistance that feels reliable, and its subdued sound profile means you can type without fear of being disruptive. The Semi-Silent Linear’s smooth actuation and gentle feedback make for a more approachable experience, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users alike. In short, your decision should be guided by your preference for tactile feedback versus a more subdued and smooth typing experience.
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