Kailh Box White V2 vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and Everglide Tourmaline Blue presents a fascinating contrast in typing experiences. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are renowned for their clicky feedback, offering a satisfying tactile bump and a pronounced audible click with each keystroke, appealing to users who thrive on auditory cues and tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are celebrated for their linear feel and deep, thocky sound profile, providing a bouncy yet smooth experience that feels both responsive and accessible to a wide range of typists, thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. Whether you prefer the sharp feedback and engaging sound of clicky switches like the Box White V2 or the buttery and easy-to-press nature of the Tourmaline Blue, each option has its unique allure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in a comparable sound profile characterized by clarity and brightness. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, allows these switches to produce a sharper and more resonant sound. This is particularly advantageous for users interested in utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced illumination effects. As such, despite being from different manufacturers, the top housings of both switches yield a similar auditory experience, making them suitable options for those who prioritize a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing or gaming.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ significantly, creating unique characteristics in their overall sound profiles. The Kailh Box White V2 employs nylon for its bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, echoing the properties of the top housing that lead to a clearer sound. This divergence in materials means that while the top sounds might be similar, the bottom-out sound and feel will differ, with the Box White V2 offering a fuller and more muted experience, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom will maintain a brighter tone during actuation.
When pressed, the interaction of these housing materials shapes the overall typing experience distinctly. In the Kailh Box White V2, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom results in a dynamic contrast that offers both clarity and warmth, making every keystroke unique. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue delivers a more connected sound profile throughout, due to its use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings. Consequently, while both key switches may exhibit similar high-pitched sounds when pressing down, the Box White V2's differences will manifest as a palpable depth that could appeal to users seeking a mixed auditory texture. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for sound characteristics and tactile feedback, dictating the overall experience each offers.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch reveals distinct differences in their handling and typing experience. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue requires a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile experience in their keystrokes. As a result, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is medium-heavy, appealing to different preferences in typing sensations.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Box White V2 the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers might appreciate for its faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance caters to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke, offering a deeper sensation that some users find satisfying. If you're looking for a switch that feels more abrupt and swift, the Box White V2 may be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more pronounced and satisfying depth, then the Tourmaline Blue is likely preferable.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 switch is well-regarded for its crisp auditory feedback, providing a distinctly clicky sound that many typists find satisfying and affirming. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced audio cue with each keypress, enhancing the tactile experience in a way that makes typing enjoyable. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch produces a deep, thocky sound profile that immerses the user in a rich acoustic environment. While the Box White V2 offers a sharper click, the Tourmaline Blue's sound is more nuanced and resonant, making it appealing to those who prefer a fuller auditory engagement without the potentially harsher notes of a traditional clicky switch.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 switches are designed to deliver a tangible tactile feedback that can feel quite pronounced with each keystroke. This lets users know they’ve registered a keypress, potentially enhancing typing accuracy. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue switch is characterized by a buttery, smooth keystroke. It utilizes a lengthened single-stage spring that gives a bouncy and responsive sensation, making it feel lighter and more effortless to press. This gentle, mild actuation encourages extended typing sessions without the fatigue that heavier switches might induce, enabling users to type comfortably for longer periods.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White V2 and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches cater to different preferences, they both deliver distinct and enjoyable typing experiences. The Box White V2 excels in providing clear auditory feedback through its clicky sound, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a deeper, more immersive sound experience combined with a smooth and easy-to-press feel. Whether you prefer the pronounced audio cues of the Box White V2 or the subtle richness of the Tourmaline Blue, both switches can offer a satisfying tactile experience depending on your typing style and the ambiance you seek in your keyboard sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches should primarily hinge on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel, as well as the typing intensity you anticipate. If you enjoy a lively, clicky typing experience that provides auditory feedback, the Box White V2 would be an excellent selection. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams can make it particularly appealing for extended typing sessions where you prefer a more engaging and responsive experience. On the other hand, if you gravitate toward a smooth, buttery keystroke with a more subdued sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue would fit the bill nicely. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams offers a satisfying balance that feels robust yet enjoyable, making it suitable for both casual use and focused work environments. Ultimately, selecting the right switch depends on whether you value a crisp clicking sound and tactile feedback or prefer a smooth, quieter, and more bouncy keypress.
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