Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the type of feedback and sound you prefer can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Swift. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky design, providing users with crisp tactile feedback and an audible click that enhances the typing experience, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Swift switches offer a linear experience characterized by their smooth and silent key presses, enhanced by a deeper sound profile resulting from their full nylon housings and a lighter 42g actuation force, providing a swift and feather-light feel. While the Box White V2 might appeal to typists who relish the acoustic feedback of each keystroke, the HMX Swift is perfect for gamers and others who prefer a quieter, effortless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Swift, notable differences emerge, particularly in the materials used for the top housing. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality stems from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing it to produce clear and resonant acoustics. In contrast, the HMX Swift opts for a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This divergence in materials indicates that while both switches can deliver a pleasant typing experience, they will cater to different auditory preferences based on their housing compositions.
Both switches, however, share nylon as their material for the bottom housing, which impacts the overall sound and feel during keypresses. The nylon used in the Box White V2 and HMX Swift ensures that both switches will elicit a similar, deep, and rounded sound profile from the bottom end. This consistency across the bottom housing means that, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, users can expect a comparable auditory experience when bottoming out. This shared quality is significant as it highlights how variations in the top housing will primarily influence the sound upon release while the bottom housing contributes to the key's feedback when pressed.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Swift lead to distinct sound profiles—crisp for polycarbonate versus rounded for nylon. However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a cohesive and rich sound experience when the keys bottom out. Thus, while each switch has its unique strengths influenced by the top housing material, the similarity in bottom housing ensures users will not completely diverge in the tactile and auditory pleasure they derive from either switch. This blend of materials allows for a nuanced yet enjoyable typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces while sharing a common bottom out force. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Swift is slightly lighter at 42 grams. Both switches exhibit the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that, while the Swift allows for a lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force, both switches will feel similar when bottoming out, providing a consistent key travel experience. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the HMX Swift would be the more suitable option. Conversely, those who appreciate a bit more resistance during keystrokes might lean toward the Kailh Box White V2. Overall, both choices cater to different preferences, making them appealing depending on individual typing styles.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Box White V2, being the shorter option, may offer a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Swift's longer travel distance could appeal to those who appreciate a deeper, more tangible feedback when bottoming out the switch. Consequently, users looking for a more immediate typing experience might lean towards the Kailh Box White V2, whereas those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the HMX Swift to be more satisfying.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are characterized by a crisp and sharp audible click that many typists find satisfying. The click is prominent, often described as a defining feature due to its tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an audible response while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, diverging from the typical bright tonality associated with linear switches. This unique sound is attributed to its full nylon housing, which lends a more substantial quality to each keystroke, producing a clacky sound that is both pleasant and distinctive in its own right.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switches provide a tactile experience with a noticeable click, giving the user a clear indication that the key has been actuated. This sensation can boost typing accuracy as the feedback allows for assurance in each stroke. In contrast, the HMX Swift switches are designed for a smoother and lighter touch, with a gentle 42g actuation force that makes them exceptionally easy to press. This lightness, combined with descriptors such as feathery, bouncy, and creamy, ensures that typists experience minimal finger fatigue, making them ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. The responsive nature of the Swift enhances the overall comfort, making it feel more effortless and enjoyable to type on.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 excels in its audible click and tactile feedback, appealing to users who appreciate an engaging typing experience, the HMX Swift switches offer a smoother and lighter action with a unique sound profile that favors comfort and ease during use. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between them largely depends on whether one prioritizes a pronounced auditory and tactile response or a silky, low-impact feel when typing. Regardless of which switch you lean towards, both will provide a satisfying typing experience based on their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and HMX Swift linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy an auditory and tactile typing experience that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for typists who appreciate a pronounced click sound and want to feel the tactile bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction—ideal for those who often work on long documents or enjoy the nostalgic feel of clicky switches. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, quieter typing experience with minimal finger fatigue, the HMX Swift linear switches would be more to your liking. Their light actuation force and silky smoothness make them great for extended typing sessions or gaming, where rapid key presses and comfort are essential. In summary, choose the Box White V2 for an engaging auditory experience and tactile feedback, while opting for the Swift linear switch if you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience devoid of significant noise.
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