Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often hinges on personal preference regarding tactile feedback and sound. The Kailh Box White V2 stands out as a clicky switch, celebrated for its distinct auditory click and crisp tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for typists who relish a responsive and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Type S offers a linear switch experience, designed with a smoother keystroke that allows for rapid key presses without the interruption of a tactile bump or click. Additionally, the Type S features a weightier 65g bottom-out force and a more subdued acoustic profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter, efficient typing experience. Ultimately, each switch caters to unique typing preferences – the Box White V2 for those who enjoy feedback and sound, and the Gateron Type S for users seeking fluidity and subtlety. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Type S switches exhibit critical differences that significantly influence their acoustic characteristics. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This sharpness enhances the overall auditory experience, especially for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate's translucency allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the Type S employs a nylon top housing, which inherently produces a deeper, fuller sound. The nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory output. Thus, while the Box White V2 excels in brightness and clarity, the Type S offers a warmer sound, catering to different user preferences.
When examining the lower half of these switches, both the Box White V2 and Type S utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material imparts some similarities in acoustics, as both switches rely on nylon's properties for sound absorption, creating a deeper and fuller experience when bottoming out. However, since the qualities of the bottom housing significantly influence the sound and feel during key presses, the combined nylon material results in both switches having similarities in the bottom-out sound. Consequently, despite the differences in their top housings, the nylon material helps bridge a consistent sensory experience for users when typing.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and Gateron Type S lead to distinct sound profiles, while their nylon bottom housings ensure a level of acoustic unity. The polycarbonate top of the Box White V2 produces a crisp and resonant sound, appealing to those who favor a more vibrant auditory experience, while the Type S’s nylon top diffuses sound into a smoother and rounder tone. However, both switches, sharing nylon for the bottom housing, will give users comparable results when it comes to the bottom-out sound, highlighting how the materials interact to affect sensation and sound perception during typing. Thus, users can choose based on their preference for the top housing characteristics while still benefiting from a consistent sound experience in the key actuation.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch showcase notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Type S has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer. This means that those who enjoy a lighter feel might lean towards the Box White V2, whereas those who appreciate a firmer key press may find the Gateron Type S more appealing. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Gateron Type S features a travel distance of 4 mm, positioning it as the longer switch. This variance in travel distance means that users who favor responsiveness and quicker actuation might lean towards the Kailh Box White V2, as its shorter travel provides a snappier feedback. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke with a deeper feel may find the Gateron Type S more satisfying due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize speed or a more traditional typing experience.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switch is renowned for its distinctly crisp and sharp audible click, making it a delight for users who appreciate an energizing auditory feedback when typing. This clicky sound not only enhances the typing experience but also provides a satisfying confirmation upon each keypress. Conversely, the Gateron Type S features a more subdued and neutral sound signature. It produces a moderated acoustic profile that leans towards a deeper, balanced sound, which is less obtrusive. This can make the Type S more suitable for environments where noise levels matter, providing a satisfying yet less distracting typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 is characterized by its pronounced tactile feedback, giving a robust sensation at the actuation point. This tactile response, combined with the audible click, creates a highly engaging typing experience. The Gateron Type S, on the other hand, provides a smoother and weightier feel with its 65g bottom-out force. Users who prefer a more linear experience will find the Type S appealing, as it lacks the tactile bump found in the Box White V2 while still delivering a solid, controlled typing experience through its factory-lubed mechanism.
In summary, if you prioritize an enthusiastic and tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White V2's clicky nature is hard to beat, while the Gateron Type S appeals to those seeking a softer, more subdued auditory experience, with a smooth linear action that gives a different tactile reward. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel; however, both switches exemplify quality craftsmanship and offer distinct joy in the typing experience they provide.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a lighter keystroke with tactile feedback and a pronounced click sound, the Box White V2 is an excellent option. This switch is ideal for typing enthusiasts who appreciate the satisfying auditory feedback while working on documents or gaming, and its lighter actuation force of 50 grams may help reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a heavier keystroke, the Gateron Type S might be more suitable for you. With a bottom-out force of 65 grams, it offers a weighty typing experience while still maintaining a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it versatile for office settings or quiet environments. Ultimately, if you seek crisp feedback and enjoy the auditory aspects of typing, go for the Box White V2; however, if you desire a smooth and deeper acoustic experience with a more robust feel, the Gateron Type S is the right choice for you.
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