Kailh Box White V2 vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer distinctly different typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky feedback and auditory responses, making them an excellent choice for typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches provide a smooth, linear action that delivers a quieter experience, perfect for gamers and professionals who need less tactile distraction while typing or gaming. While the Box White V2 excels in delivering clear, tactile feedback, the Strawberry Latte shines with its silky-smooth keystrokes and balanced sound profile. 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
45g
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte switch showcase distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to varied acoustic characteristics and tactile experiences. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its stiffer structure that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material choice allows for greater resonance and clarity, particularly beneficial for users who desire an enhanced auditory response when typing or gaming. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate can beautifully amplify RGB lighting effects, making these switches aesthetically pleasing for those who prioritize illumination in their keyboard setup.
In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK material for its top housing. Although POK offers a slightly different tactile feedback compared to polycarbonate—with a higher coefficient of friction leading to a smooth typing experience—this material is exceptionally strong and resistant to wear and shock. As a result, the switches can deliver a clackier sound profile that might appeal to different users who prefer a contrast in texture and sound dynamics. The POK material's durability ensures longevity, appealing to gamers and typists who seek reliability alongside acoustic performance.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Huano Strawberry Latte switches share a similarity in their bottom housing, both utilizing nylon. This classic material contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, as nylon is softer and effective at sound absorption. Therefore, whether using a Box White V2 or a Strawberry Latte, the overall acoustic characteristics will feature a duller sound signature when the keys are fully pressed. Ultimately, while the top housing materials influence the sound during release, the harmonious blend of nylon in the bottom housing provides a reliable foundation for both switch types, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice in top material.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is lighter, boasting an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Strawberry Latte requires less force to register a keystroke and ultimately bottoms out more easily than the Box White V2. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions, the Strawberry Latte would be the ideal choice. Conversely, users seeking a more substantial typing feel might gravitate towards the Box White V2 due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, while both switches are relatively light, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, making it better suited for those who favor ease of typing.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience the same distance before registering a keypress. This equal travel distance results in a similar tactile experience, making both switches feel comparable in terms of key actuation depth. Whether you prefer the clicky feedback of the Box White V2 or the smoothness of the Strawberry Latte, you'll enjoy the same key travel dynamics.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 clicky switch is characterized by its crisp, tactile feedback accompanied by a distinct audible click on actuation. This sound can be quite satisfying for typists who enjoy an auditory indication of their keystrokes, making it suitable for those who prefer a clearly defined acoustic response during their typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a more balanced sound profile; it isn’t overly loud but still provides a noticeable auditory cue without being distracting. This makes it a solid option for users looking for something that isn’t quiet but doesn’t dominate the auditory space either.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 offers a pronounced tactile bump that provides an engaging typing experience, allowing users to feel the actuation point distinctly. This tactile element caters well to typists who thrive on feedback. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte linear switch is designed for smoothness, prioritizing a fluid keypress without the interruption of a tactile bump. This results in a gliding sensation as fingers dance across the keys, appealing to gamers and fast typists who favor uninterrupted motion over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches cater to distinct preferences within mechanical keyboard users. The Box White V2 emphasizes a crisp, clicky sound and a tactile feel, making it ideal for those who revel in feedback and loudness. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte is geared towards users who prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience without sacrificing the sensation of keystroke actuation. Ultimately, your choice between them will depend on whether you value the clicky feedback or the smoothness of a linear switch for your specific typing or gaming needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch mainly hinges on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy an auditory and tactile confirmation with each keystroke, the Box White V2 with its notable clicky feedback and light actuation force might be the ideal fit for you. This switch excels in environments where feedback and sound enhance typing enjoyment, making it particularly suitable for typists and individuals who appreciate a more interactive writing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter key press that allows for more fluid typing without the distraction of loud clicks, the Strawberry Latte linear switch is likely the better option. Its lighter actuation force combined with a balanced sound profile offers a serene typing experience that's great for long hours of work or gaming, where focus is paramount. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value the clicky feedback of the Box White V2 or the seamless smoothness of the Strawberry Latte for your unique keyboard experience.
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