Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Smoothie offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky nature, providing a satisfying tactile feedback and a pronounced audible click that many typists crave for a more engaging and responsive typing experience. Alternatively, the Gateron Smoothie stands out as a linear switch, renowned for its buttery smooth operation and thocky sound profile, delivering a seamless keypress without any tactile bump or click. This makes the Smoothie a popular choice for gamers and typists seeking a quieter, yet dynamic feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the crisp feedback and auditory feedback of the Box White V2 or the plush smoothness and subtle sound of the Smoothie. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Smoothie, we notice substantial differences in their compositions that contribute largely to their sound profiles. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, praised for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiff nature. This rigidity translates into a clearer and more resonant sound when a key is released. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie features a POM top housing, which offers a deeper and more muted audio experience. This means that while both switches offer unique auditory characteristics, they reflect distinct approaches to sound design, with the Kailh Box White V2 leaning towards brightness and the Gateron Smoothie favoring warmth.
Looking at the bottom housing materials, the Kailh Box White V2 employs nylon, a traditional choice that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer characteristics which absorb sound better than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Smoothie also sports a POM bottom housing, which similarly produces a pleasingly muted sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing materials leads to a more rounded, cohesive auditory experience in both switches, albeit the presence of nylon in the Box White V2 introduces a layer of depth that differs from the POM. Thus, both switches might create unique auditory effects under different circumstances, but the Box White V2 can bring a fuller sound due to its nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials in both switches creates varied overall experiences for the user. The combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Kailh Box White V2 facilitates a distinct sound profile, where the clarity of the top housing and the depth of the nylon come together. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie, with POM in both the top and bottom housing, offers a more muted and consistent sound. Users can expect that the feel and sound produced upon bottoming out will be influenced more by the bottom material—nylon for the Box White and POM for the Smoothie—while the release sound will be shaped more by the top housing's material. Collectively, these differences highlight how varying housing materials can distinctly shape the auditory and tactile experience of mechanical switches, even if they explore similar tonal realms.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Box White V2 requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which categorizes it as a light switch. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, though its bottom out force remains unknown. This means that the Smoothie would require less effort to register a keystroke, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Box White V2's bottom out force is defined, indicating a firmer feel when bottoming out, the Smoothie's uncertainty on this front leaves some ambiguity regarding the overall typing experience. For users who prefer lighter switches, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel with a defined bottoming out action might lean toward the Kailh Box White V2.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that users will experience the same keypress depth when using either switch. This similarity ensures that regardless of the type of switch chosen, users can expect a uniform feel in terms of how far the key travels from top to bottom. Therefore, if you're looking for a consistent travel distance in your typing or gaming experience, both switches will provide the same results.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch is characterized by a distinct, crisp audible click that provides immediate auditory feedback with each keypress. This sound is sharp and clear, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a pronounced click, which can serve as an enjoyable aspect of the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound, which is deeper and richer, producing a low-pitched and subdued auditory signature. This sound resembles a soft thud or knock rather than a high-pitched click, creating a more mellow atmosphere while typing. The choice between the two will largely depend on personal preference: those who favor a commanding and interactive sound will gravitate towards the Box White V2, while others seeking a more muted yet satisfying experience will likely enjoy the Smoothie.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is known for its tactile feedback, which provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This tactile response ensures that typists can feel when the key has registered a press, which can aid in typing accuracy and speed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie boasts an impressively smooth keystroke experience, described with terms like buttery, creamy, and silky. These descriptors suggest that the Smoothie allows for a seamless typing sensation where the keys glide effortlessly, making it appealing for long typing sessions and gaming. While the Box White V2 prioritizes tactile feedback, the Gateron Smoothie focuses on a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that feels more fluid and less resistant.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Box White V2’s sharp clicky sound and tactile feedback make it a great option for those who enjoy an interactive typing experience, while the Smoothie’s thocky sound and remarkably smooth keystroke make it ideal for users who prefer a quieter and more fluid experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile response or a silky and smooth typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch should hinge on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile experience with an audible click while typing, the Box White V2 is an excellent option. Its lightweight bottom-out force of 50 grams ensures that you won't need to press too hard, making it suitable for long typing sessions without fatigue. The crisp feedback and distinct click sound will likely appeal to those who appreciate clear auditory and tactile confirmation of their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience with a softer touch, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch may be the better fit. It offers a buttery and silky feel, enhancing fluidity with each keystroke, making it ideal for gamers and typists who favor a seamless motion and a more subdued sound signature. Choose the Box White V2 for an engaging and tactile workspace, or opt for the Smoothie if you want to glide through your tasks with ease and quiet confidence.
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