Kailh Box White V2 vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus can significantly impact your typing or gaming experience. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch, celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and audible click sound, making it an excellent choice for typists who relish the satisfying feedback of each keystroke. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate a clear indication of actuation with every press. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is a linear switch designed specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, ideal for rapid-fire keyboard inputs. With its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel, it caters to those who prioritize speed and fluidity during intense gaming sessions. Each switch offers unique advantages—whether you prefer the tactile response and engaging sound of a clicky switch or the swift, unobtrusive feel of a linear switch. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus, the differences primarily lie in their top housings. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffness. This rigidity enhances sound resonance and clarity, making it particularly appealing for users who prioritize a bright auditory feedback when typing or gaming. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for visually appealing keyboard setups. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, which is traditionally recognized for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon mitigates sound sharpness, resulting in a smoother and rounder auditory experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a shared characteristic that enhances the overall sound experience. Particularly, both switch designs benefit from nylon's sound-absorbing properties, producing a more muted bottom-out sound. This means that while the Kailh Box White V2 may deliver a crisp sound on key release due to its polycarbonate top, its nylon bottom will still provide the depth and fullness that typists often appreciate. Similarly, the Vintage Citrus will have a consistent auditory signature due to its uniform use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings, allowing for a cohesive typing experience overall.
Overall, while the Kailh Box White V2 and HMX Vintage Citrus exhibit distinct sound characteristics stemming from their top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housing levels the playing field in terms of sound profile when bottoming out. This combination creates a typing experience that balances out the sharper notes of the Box White V2 with the fuller tones of the Vintage Citrus. Regardless of the choice, users will find satisfaction in the depth and richness provided by nylon, leading to an enjoyable keyboard experience that can cater to varying preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offer different tactile experiences primarily due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as the reduced effort required can lead to less fatigue. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a firmer feel that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While both switches are relatively close in terms of force, the Box White V2 is the lighter option overall, making it a better choice for users who prioritize comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, it’s clear that they differ: the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference highlights the preference for quicker response times in gaming, as the Vintage Citrus may offer a more rapid actuation due to its shallower distance. However, for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback in their typing experience, the Box White V2's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference; if responsiveness is paramount, the Vintage Citrus may be the suitable choice, whereas the Box White V2 caters to users who favor a more robust tactile feel.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 renowned for their crisp and pronounced audible click, which provides clear auditory feedback with every key press. This makes them particularly satisfying for typists who enjoy an enhanced auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch offers a bright, clacky sound profile, designed to make each keystroke felt as much as heard. While both switches produce distinct audio characteristics, their sound will also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, which can either amplify or dampen these unique acoustic qualities.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a tactile feedback with a noticeable bump at the actuation point, making it easy to discern when a key has been activated. This tactile sensation, combined with the accompanying click, allows for confident typing but may be less suited to those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch excels in providing an exceptionally smooth push feel, which is tailored for quick and rapid inputs, especially beneficial for gamers looking for speed and performance during intense gameplay. The low actuation force required means that users can execute commands with minimal effort, making it a great choice for fast-paced scenarios.
Overall, while the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch serve different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm, they both offer unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Box White V2’s clicky, tactile feedback caters to those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience, whereas the Vintage Citrus provides gamers with a smooth, rapid response that enhances performance. Choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preference for sound and feel, as each switch brings its strengths to the table.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you prioritize tactile feedback and enjoy the classic auditory experience of a clicky switch, the Box White V2 may be the ideal pick for you. Its lower actuation force of 50 grams, combined with a pronounced click, makes it a delight for typing enthusiasts and those who appreciate clear tactile distinctions in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking speed and efficiency, the Vintage Citrus switch shines with its exceptionally low actuation point of 1mm, allowing for rapid inputs that can give you an edge in competitive scenarios. Its smooth push feel and clacky sound profile cater to gamers who value quick response times. Ultimately, you should choose the Kailh Box White V2 for a satisfying tactile experience and the HMX Vintage Citrus for a fast-paced gaming setup.
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