Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky nature, providing not only a satisfying tactile feedback but also an audible click that can enhance the typing experience, making it a favorite among typists and gamers who enjoy a more pronounced feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches are linear and designed for speed, featuring an incredibly smooth travel and a short actuation distance that allows for rapid key presses, ideal for gamers who require quick responses without the distraction of sound. While the Box White V2 emphasizes a nostalgic typing experience with its clicky feedback, the Smoothie Silver favors a seamless and swift action. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Smoothie Silver differ significantly in their top housing materials, which leads to distinct sound profiles that cater to different user preferences. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's superior translucency makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard while supporting a clearer auditory experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound, lending itself to a unique acoustic quality that some users may find more pleasant or less invasive, creating an overall softer experience.
When examining the bottom housing materials, both switches again create different auditory results but share some common characteristics. The Kailh Box White V2 employs a nylon bottom housing, recognized for its softer nature that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. This absorption of sound leads to a rounder note when the key bottoms out, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver's bottom housing consists of POM, which, like nylon, fosters a deeper and muted sound profile. While both switches have different top housing materials, the smooth yet fairly muted characteristics of the POM in the Smoothie Silver work complementarily with its top housing, creating a nicely balanced acoustic experience.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the top and bottom housings in both switches will create distinct tactile experiences while typing. The Box White V2’s design is tailored for users looking for sharp sounds and responsive feedback, thanks to its polycarbonate top combined with the deeper sound of its nylon bottom. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver caters to those who prefer a softer, more muted typing experience, keeping in mind the warmth of POM in both top and bottom housings. Thus, while both switches might offer experiences that lead to satisfying results in terms of sound and feel, the individual materials dictate unique auditory signatures and user engagements based on personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This can be advantageous for those who prefer a lighter switch, as it allows for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, the difference arises with the bottom out force: the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer feel when pressing the key all the way down, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. Therefore, while both switches provide a similar feel during actuation, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a heavier overall experience when fully bottomed out. This distinction may influence users' preferences based on whether they enjoy a more substantial feel or a lighter touch in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that users of the Box White V2 will experience a deeper keystroke, which some may find more satisfying and appropriate for typing, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver’s shorter travel distance can cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it better suited for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, while both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, those who prefer more pronounced keystrokes might lean towards the Box White V2, whereas those who favor speed and responsiveness could opt for the Gateron Smoothie Silver.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by its distinct auditory profile, producing a sharp, crisp click that provides immediate auditory feedback with each keystroke. This clicky sound can be highly satisfying for typists who enjoy the pronounced acoustics but may not be ideal for quieter environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch features a thocky sound that is more subdued compared to the Box White V2, allowing for a quieter typing experience while still providing a level of auditory satisfaction. While both switches can create distinct sounds, the overall acoustics are influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a noticeable tactile bump that elevates the tactile experience, enhancing the feedback with each press. This tactile nature appeals to typists who favor a more engaging and responsive feel. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver caters to users who appreciate a smoother typing experience due to its linear design, promoting effortless key presses with a feather-light touch. The absence of tactile resistance means that typists may experience a more fluid and uninterrupted rhythm, making it suitable for rapid typing situations.
In conclusion, both switches provide distinct experiences tailored to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Kailh Box White V2 excels in providing a tactile and auditory experience with its clicky feedback, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver’s优势 lies in its smooth and quick actuation, ideal for those who prefer a linear feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but regardless of your selection, you can expect a satisfying mechanical experience tailored to your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and your typical use cases. If you enjoy a clearly defined tactile and auditory feedback when you type, the Box White V2 is the way to go. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying click that can enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for typists, coders, or gamers who appreciate auditory cues confirming keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, silent typing experience with minimal resistance, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is an excellent choice. Known for its exceptionally smooth actuation due to its all-POM construction and light touch, it excels for fast-paced gaming or long typing sessions where comfort and speed are paramount. In summary, your choice hinges on whether you prefer the tactile and auditory feedback of a clicky switch or the seamless, feather-light action of a linear switch.
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