Kailh Box White V2 vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow present two distinct options, each catering to different preferences and styles. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch that delivers crisp tactile feedback and an audible click sound, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a tactile typing experience reminiscent of traditional typewriters. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is a linear switch that boasts a smooth and frictionless operation, offering a captivating sound profile akin to mahjong tiles colliding, thanks to its unique Ly stem and factory lube method. With its medium weight, it caters to a diverse range of users, providing a responsive typing experience with very short travel and a long-pole stem. While the Box White V2 offers a pronounced auditory and tactile sensation, the Sunset Yellow emphasizes a silky-smooth feel and indulgent sound. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches demonstrate notable contrasts in their housing materials, which in turn create distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and translucency, contributing to a brighter, sharper, and more resonant sound. This is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the clear polycarbonate enhances the visual effects from the keys. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, known for generating a deeper and more muted sound profile. POM, while still offering a pleasing auditory experience, differs considerably from polycarbonate, presenting a softer and rounder tone that appeals to those who prefer a subtler acoustic feedback.
Examining the bottom housings reveals similarities in function but differences in material impact. The Kailh Box White V2 features a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic choice among switch manufacturers. Nylon contributes to a fuller and deeper sound, absorbing more acoustic energy due to its softer nature. Meanwhile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow opts for a POM bottom housing, echoing the muted and unique sound profile created by its top counterpart. Both switches produce deeper sound signatures, yet the nylon of the Box White V2 generates a slightly rounder experience compared to the relatively muted quality of the POM in the Sunset Yellow. This difference plays a critical role in shaping the overall auditory character of the switches when typing.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch determines the overall sound and feel experienced by the user. With the Kailh Box White V2, users can expect a brighter, more resonant sound from its polycarbonate top while enjoying a full-bodied, deeper experience from the nylon bottom. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow provides a consistently muted sound profile from both its top and bottom POM housings. While the two switches employ different materials that create variations in sound pitch and depth, they share the characteristic of providing unique auditory experiences that cater to different user preferences. Thus, regardless of the differences in individual housing materials, users can still achieve satisfying sound outcomes through thoughtful selection based on their desired typing and acoustic experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch overall. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow has a slightly lower actuation force at 43 grams but a marginally higher bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that while both switches are on the lighter side of the spectrum, the Sunset Yellow requires less force to register a keystroke but slightly more force to press all the way down. Those who prefer lighter switches may find the Sunset Yellow slightly more appealing for longer typing sessions due to its lower actuation force, whereas the Box White V2 might provide a more tactile experience with its clicky feedback and slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation feel and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference may appeal to different preferences; those who favor a more responsive feel and quicker actuation might lean towards the shorter Sunset Yellow, which aligns with the current trend of shorter travel distances favored by gamers. Conversely, the Box White V2 offers a longer travel distance, catering to users who appreciate a more pronounced typing experience and depth with each key press. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more tactile and full travel experience, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the better choice.
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 Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.
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 sound profile of the Kailh Box White V2 switch is characterized by its distinct audible click, delivering a sharp and satisfying noise with each keystroke. This clicky sound offers an engaging auditory feedback that's popular among typists who enjoy an assertive acoustic signature when typing. In comparison, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch provides a richer and bassier sound that resembles a thocky thud, akin to mahjong tiles colliding. This deeper sound delivers a soothing auditory experience, making typing feel luxurious with its satisfying resonance. Overall, while both switches produce engaging sounds, the Box White V2 favors a more pronounced click, whereas the Sunset Yellow offers a muted, richer sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switch is known for its tactile feedback; typists can expect a pronounced bump that enhances their keystrokes. This tactile sensation adds a layer of responsiveness that can make typing satisfying, especially for those who enjoy feeling the actuation point as they type. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience, thanks in part to its unique Ly stem and factory-lubed mechanisms, ensuring a smooth glide during each press. The polished nature of the Sunset Yellow switch allows for effortless keystrokes, giving an impression of gliding across the keys. Thus, the Box White V2 offers a more tactile experience, while the Sunset Yellow promotes a smoother, gliding feel.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Box White V2 stands out with its crisp clickiness, appealing to those who prefer clear auditory feedback and tactile sensation during typing. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow excels in its rich, thocky sound profile and ultra-smooth feel, focusing on a luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches should reflect your preferences—whether you prioritize tactile feedback and pronounced sound or if you favor a smooth, fluid typing experience with a deep, resonant sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more engaging and auditory typing experience, the Box White V2 is an excellent option, thanks to its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying click sound. This makes it ideal for typists who thrive on the tactile sensations and audible cues that enhance their interactions with the keyboard, especially for those who enjoy the sound of their keystrokes while working or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and fluid typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is the way to go. With its creamy feel and rich, bassy sound profile, it provides a polished and frictionless experience that can make long typing sessions more enjoyable. This switch can accommodate a variety of users thanks to its medium-light actuation force, making it versatile for both casual typists and serious gamers alike. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prefer the tactile feedback and audible satisfaction of a clicky switch or the smooth elegance of a linear switch, ensuring that your keyboard experience aligns perfectly with your needs.