Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX SU. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their pronounced clickiness, providing crisp tactile feedback and an engaging audible click that many users find satisfying, making them an excellent choice for typists who thrive on pronounced sensory input during long writing sessions. In contrast, the HMX SU switches are linear and emphasize a smooth keystroke with a deeper, more subtle sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience or gamers who value fast and uninterrupted key presses. While the Box White V2 engages users with its clicky feedback, the HMX SU offers a seamless and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX SU switches showcase a distinct contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This characteristic is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a crisp auditory feedback when typing. Conversely, the HMX SU switch employs a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer material that absorbs sound, it results in a duller and rounder auditory response, appealing to users who prefer a more muffled and less aggressive sound.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, offering a unified experience in terms of deeper sound characteristics. The similarity in materials means that the overall impact on the typing experience will share some common traits. Typing on both the Box White V2 and the HMX SU will elicit a fuller sound profile due to the nylon utilized in the bottom housing, which absorbs sound and dampens the acoustics. This commonality helps to create a somewhat harmonious experience, albeit with distinct auditory profiles experienced during different functionalities of the switches depending on the top housing material.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX SU lead to different sound signatures, despite their shared nylon bottom housing. Users will experience the crispness and clarity of the Box White V2 atop a full-bodied sound foundation, while the HMX SU provides a more subdued auditory experience. This variance reflects how the diverse qualities each material imparts influence the switch’s sound when key presses are engaged and released. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying performance and sound, with the predominant differences lying in their top housing, appealing to varied preferences among typists and gamers.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 and HMX SU switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, as both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This parity ensures that users will experience a consistent keystroke feel across both switches. Given that both switches are classified as light, they are well-suited for prolonged typing sessions, making them ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended use, whether at work or during long gaming marathons. While some users may prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial feel, those seeking a lighter typing experience will find both the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX SU to meet their needs effectively.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means they provide the same amount of movement when pressed down. This identical travel distance allows for similar key feel and response across both switches, making them comparable in terms of actuation. Users who prefer a consistent experience when typing or gaming will appreciate that both switches deliver the same feedback during use. Consequently, whether you opt for the clicky sensation of the Box White V2 or the smooth linear action of the HMX SU, the travel distance remains constant at 3.6 mm, ensuring uniformity in performance.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are characterized by their crisp, sharp audible click, making them quite distinct during use. This clicky profile is a hallmark of their design, providing not only an auditory feedback but also contributing to the switch's overall mechanical experience. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switches present a more subdued auditory experience, with a relatively deep sound profile due to their full PA12 housing and T5 stem. While the SU is not clicky, its sound is likely to be quieter and more understated, allowing for a different atmosphere during typing. It’s important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap materials, which may alter how each switch sounds in practice.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches offer a pronounced tactile bump that is very satisfying for users who enjoy a tactile typing experience. The click not only alerts users to actuation but also enhances the feedback, allowing for a precise and engaging typing experience. Conversely, the HMX SU linear switches provide a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile feedback. This allows for a fluid typing motion, appealing to those who prefer a cleaner and more consistent travel without the interruptions of a tactile or clicky response.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX SU switches deliver distinctly different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Box White V2 offers a pronounced clicky feedback with a crisp sound, ideal for those who appreciate tactile and auditory cues. Meanwhile, the HMX SU presents a smooth linear experience with a quieter, deeper sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for typing style and audio feedback, both switches can provide satisfying results, though they cater to different user experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy tactile feedback and the satisfying auditory response of a click, particularly for typing long sessions or code where you want clarity in key presses, the Kailh Box White V2 is a great choice. Its light actuation force makes it comfortable for extended use, and the pronounced click can enhance your typing experience, providing both a rewarding feel and sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter keystroke without any tactile bump or noise, the HMX SU linear switch is more suitable. With its soft sound profile and gentle key press, it allows for fluid typing or gaming sessions where silence is paramount or you want to minimize distractions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel—whether you favor the distinctive click of the Box White V2 or the smooth action of the SU.
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