Kailh Box White V2 vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to how you prefer to interact with your keyboard, and two popular options in this realm are the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jerrzi Violet switches. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their sharp tactile feedback and characteristic clicky sound, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory cue with every keypress. This makes them an appealing choice for typists and gamers who thrive on feedback and precision. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switches deliver a gentler typing experience with their smooth actuation and subtle tactile response, offering a balance of comfort and efficiency without the auditory distractions of a clicky switch. While the V2s are geared towards users who appreciate a louder and more tactile feedback, the Violets provide a quieter, more serene typing environment ideal for extended use. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Jerrzi Violet switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffer properties, which contribute to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is incorporated, ensuring a vibrant glow that complements the switch’s physical design. Consequently, both switches offer users vibrant visual aesthetics alongside the clear sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Box White V2 and Jerrzi Violet are made from nylon, a classic switch material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s relatively softer nature compared to polycarbonate results in sound absorption, yielding a duller and rounder auditory output when bottoming out. This combination of housing materials effectively balances the higher-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top with the warmer, more subdued tones from the nylon bottom. Hence, while they may produce different auditory qualities when pressed, the synergy between the two materials allows for a cohesive typing experience, blending the sharpness of the top with the fullness of the bottom.
When considering the overall performance of these switches, the distinct characteristics of the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. The Box White V2 and Jerrzi Violet switches capitalize on the polycarbonate top housing’s crisp sound for the key release while relying on the nylon bottom to enrich the bottom-out experience with deeper, fuller tones. As such, users of both switches can expect a nuanced typing experience where the clarity of the top housing complements the warmth of the bottom, resulting in an intricate sound profile that appeals to a wide range of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it's interesting to note that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams. This similarity suggests that users will experience a comparable feel when triggering a keystroke, making both switches suitable for those who prefer lighter actuation forces, which can result in less strain during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Box White V2 has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more pressure to press the key all the way down, providing a substantial feel at the end of the keystroke. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Violet switch is unknown, leaving a gap in our ability to fully assess its tactile feedback in this regard. As a result, while both switches offer a similar actuation experience, the Box White V2 is distinctly heavier in terms of bottom out feel, appealing to users who may prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we find that the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that feels more responsive and allows for quicker actuation, the Box White V2 would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced and hearty feel when typing or gaming, the Jerrzi Violet with its 3.7 mm travel distance may be more suitable for you. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Violet provides a deeper actuation that some users might find 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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 switch stands out with its distinctly high-pitched click that resonates with a sharp and crisp auditory feedback, making it particularly satisfying for those who enjoy an assertive typing sound. This click not only indicates actuation but also adds a certain character to the typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a much more subdued auditory profile, characterized as neutral. With a moderate sound level, these switches provide a pleasing typing experience without overwhelming auditory feedback, which is ideal for users who might find the click of the Box White V2 too loud for quieter environments.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 delivers a strong tactile response with each keypress, providing a clear indication of actuation that promotes confidence in every stroke. Its tactile feedback is pronounced, which can enhance typists' speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is categorized as a stepped tactile switch, meaning its feedback is gentler and features a two-stage actuation. This design allows for a smoother transition throughout the keystroke, with some noticeable pre-travel and post-travel that lends a balanced typing experience without feeling overly aggressive.
In summary, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Jerrzi Violet switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you're someone who relishes audible feedback and clear tactile cues, the Box White V2 will likely satisfy you with its pronounced click and tactile response. Alternatively, if you prefer a more muted sound with a nicely stepped tactile feedback, the Jerrzi Violet will deliver a smooth and balanced experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize an engaging auditory experience or a more subtle, refined typing touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and Jerrzi Violet switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a pronounced feedback with a satisfying click sound and are looking for a switch that energizes your typing with its crisp tactile feedback, the Kailh Box White V2 would be your go-to option. It's particularly well-suited for those who thrive in a lively environment and prefer that distinctive auditory cue, making it great for both gaming and programming tasks. Conversely, if you're leaning towards a more refined, smooth typing experience with gentle tactile feedback, the Jerrzi Violet is the ideal choice, providing a balanced sound profile that is neither too intrusive nor too soft. This makes it an excellent option for an office setting or for more focused tasks where a quieter environment is beneficial. In summary, choose the Box White V2 for a clicky, engaging experience, while the Violet is perfect for those who prioritize smoothness and subtlety in their keystrokes.
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