Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and pronounced click sound, making it an excellent choice for typists who relish auditory and tactile responses while typing. This clicky switch not only provides engaging feedback but also enhances the overall typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more lively interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black caters to a different audience, providing a silenced experience ideal for quieter environments. This linear switch is designed with a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, which is perfect for users who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without the distraction of clicks. While each switch has its unique appeal, the Kailh Box White V2 excels in situations where feedback is prized, while the Silent Ink Black shines in settings requiring discretion. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, both switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing compositions, which in turn affect their acoustic profiles. The Kailh Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a clearer resonance that makes it particularly effective when combined with RGB lighting. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing. While it acclaims a relatively high-pitched sound, it is noted to be less sharp than that produced by polycarbonate. Thetonality offered by the INK blend still possesses a pointed character but aims for a more satisfying clackiness rather than the clearer attack provided by polycarbonate.
The materials used in the bottom housing provide yet another layer to the acoustic characteristics of these switches. The Kailh Box White V2 has a nylon bottom housing, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This absorption results in a deeper and fuller sound that contrasts with the high-pitched clarity brought by the polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black also employs an INK blend for its bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, the bottom housing delivers a sound that leans towards a high pitch; however, the impact of the softer INK material is perceived as softening the overall acoustics while maintaining clarity. Because both switches utilize a different approach to their housing materials, this division offers a distinctive sound quality influenced by both the bottom and top housings.
In summary, while both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black employ contrasting materials for their top and bottom housings, they will yield similar results if used in a compatible environment. The Kailh switch, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, produces a classic high-pitched sound combined with deeper tonal qualities, while the Gateron switch achieves a more clacky experience throughout. Even though the materials are different—the harder polycarbonate versus the nylon and the proprietary INK blends—they both influence how sound is produced when typing. Ultimately, both types of switches cater to preferences in acoustics and feel, even while maintaining unique characteristics through their distinct material choices.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, a clear distinction in actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a great choice for users who prefer less resistance during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Consequently, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the heavier one. Since their actuation and bottom out forces differ, users can expect different tactile experiences based on their individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the shorter Box White V2, you'll experience a more responsive feel that caters well to gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black's longer travel distance provides a deeper keypress, which some users might find more satisfying for typing or general use. Thus, if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Silent Ink Black would be the better choice.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
The Kailh Box White V2 switch is characterized by its pronounced click sound, providing a distinct auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate an engaging and tactile interaction with their keyboard. The audible click offers a satisfying confirmation with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a robust sound environment when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is designed for minimal noise output, featuring a muted sound profile that significantly reduces the traditional mechanical keyboard clatter. This makes the Silent Ink Black ideal for quieter environments or for users who prefer a more subtle acoustic experience while still enjoying the advantages of a mechanical switch.
In terms of feel, the Box White V2 is known for its crisp tactile feedback that sharply distinguishes the actuation point, ensuring a lively typing experience that users can physically feel as well as hear. This tactile bump provides an engaging sensation for typists looking for that extra thrill with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a smooth and polished typing experience, described as silky and cushioned. This switch specializes in reducing any friction during key presses and releases, resulting in a delightful and effortless typing motion. The combination of smoothness and the pillow-like bottom-out feel makes the Silent Ink Black particularly appealing for long typing sessions, reducing fatigue while providing a refined experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Silent Ink Black serve distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Box White V2 excels in providing an engaging auditory and tactile experience, while the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a muted sound and a plush feel, catering to those who seek quieter, more serene typing sessions. Users will find that the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on their personal priorities—be it auditory feedback and tactile response or smoothness and minimal noise.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and your environment. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced click sound, the Kailh Box White V2 is the way to go. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams allows for faster and more responsive typing, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a dynamic feel in their keystrokes. This switch is particularly suited for typists who revel in audible and tactile feedback, such as writers or programmers who appreciate a distinct confirmation with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you are in a quieter environment, like a shared office space or a library, and prefer a smooth, subdued typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is ideal. Its 70 grams of actuation force provides a more deliberate feel while minimizing noise, making it perfect for those who want a polished, silky touch without distracting clicks. In the end, assess your typing habits and environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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