Kailh Box White V2 vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of distinct options, such as the Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Box White V2 is celebrated for its satisfying clicky feedback and pronounced auditory response, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile and acoustic experience while typing. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more refined typing experience, characterized by its smooth keystrokes and a neutral sound profile that produces the desired "thock" sound favored by many keyboard aficionados. While the Box White V2 caters to users who thrive on auditory cues and tactile feedback, the Sticky Rice (V2) appeals to those seeking a balanced, quieter option without sacrificing the tactile feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
The Kailh Box White V2 and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a distinctly sharp and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing. Both switches capitalize on the material's translucency, making them an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups. When illuminated, the clear housing of both switches allows for a vibrant display, ensuring that the lighting shines through and enhances the aesthetic appeal of a keyboard. Hence, from a sonic and visual standpoint, users can expect similar experiences with either switch due to the shared material of their top housings.
In contrast to their top housings, the Kailh Box White V2 and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) differ in their bottom housings, both of which are made from nylon. This difference heavily influences the acoustic profile of each switch. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, switches with nylon bottom housings generally produce a deeper and fuller sound, which contributes to a more muted and round typing experience. Users will notice that while both switches provide a crisp sound on key release, the bottoming out sound and feel will be notably impacted by the nylon material, leading to a more substantial auditory feedback when pressing down.
Overall, while the top housings of both switches contribute to a bright and sharp auditory experience, the bottom housings lend a rounder and fuller quality to the sound. It is essential to consider this interplay between the materials when evaluating each switch. Those interested in creating a particular sound profile or feeling in their keyboard experience can expect a mix of characteristics: the Kailh Box White V2 offers a unique combination of crispness from polycarbonate and fullness from nylon, just as the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) does. Thus, regardless of the individual nuances, both switches are designed to offer a balanced and engaging typing experience, appealing to various user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both switches exhibit relatively light force specifications, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, although their bottom out forces are the same at 50 grams. This means that if you prefer an overall lighter feel, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, both switches bottom out with the same force, ensuring a similar experience when it comes to the tactile feedback upon full depression. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter and more responsive keystroke might gravitate towards the Sticky Rice (V2), while those who appreciate a slightly firmer actuation may prefer the Box White V2.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when engaging these switches, the Box White V2 provides a slightly deeper feel, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, may offer quicker response times, catering to gamers who prefer fast, efficient key presses. Ultimately, when selecting between these two options, individuals should consider their tactile preferences; those who enjoy a hearty depth will lean towards the Box White V2, whereas those seeking immediacy in their keystrokes may prefer the Sticky Rice (V2).
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 switches are characterized by their distinctly audible click sound that resonates sharply during each keystroke. This crisp click provides both a satisfying auditory feedback and an unmistakable confirmation of input, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced sensory experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches produce a subtler sound profile with a neutral signature that leans towards the "thock" which is often sought by enthusiasts. While it may not be as loud as the Box White V2, the Sticky Rice switch creates a distinctive sound that balances both depth and resonance, providing an enjoyable experience without being overly distracting. It's important to note that the sound can vary based on the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps, so individual experiences may differ.
Regarding the feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a sharp tactile feedback with a noticeable bump that users can easily identify. This tactile response, combined with its click sound, contributes to a typing experience that is both engaging and lively. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) employs a smooth keystroke that benefits from a dustproof stem, reducing wobble and ensuring a more stable feel during use. The overall experience can be described as refined, with a balance that enhances comfort while maintaining a strong tactile sensation. Together, these characteristics cater to different preferences—those who appreciate a clearly defined tactile experience may lean toward the Box White V2, while those favoring smoothness and stability might prefer the Sticky Rice.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer contrasting auditory and tactile experiences reflecting their unique designs and intended audiences. Users seeking a loud and prominent click will find the Box White V2 appealing, while those who favor a refined and smooth typing experience with a balanced sound should consider the Sticky Rice switch. Ultimately, personal preferences will guide newcomers to select the switch that best fits their typing style and desired auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches, consider your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you appreciate a distinct audio feedback while typing, then the Box White V2's crisp tactile feedback and loud click sound make it an excellent choice for you, especially in an environment where that auditory feedback can enhance your typing experience. However, if you prefer a more subdued yet satisfying experience with a focus on smoothness and a balanced "thock" sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) switches would be better suited for your needs. Their refined tactile sensation, bolstered by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, caters to those who enjoy a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feel. In essence, choose the Box White V2 for a lively, auditory typing journey and the Sticky Rice (V2) for an elegant, smooth performance that embodies the essence of tactile switches.
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