Kailh Box White V2 vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and the Kailh Box White V2 and Durock White Lotus represent two distinct yet compelling options. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and pronounced audible click, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy a more stimulating and interactive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus caters to those seeking a subtler yet satisfying tactile sensation, designed with the discerning typist in mind. Its delicate tactility offers a balance that is well-suited for extended typing without causing fatigue, and the added bonus of customizable RGB lighting enhances both functionality and aesthetics. While the Box White V2 brings an engaging auditory experience to your typing, the White Lotus provides a visually stunning and peaceful environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock White Lotus feature different materials for their top housings, a distinction that significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material not only results in a clearer and more resonant sound but is also favorable for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus employs a modified Polycarbonate (PC) and UPE blend for its top housing. While the exact sound characteristics may differ due to the UPE component, the presence of polycarbonate still links these two switches in delivering a bright sound profile, albeit with the potential for a slightly unique modulation in tone from the modified blend.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock White Lotus utilize nylon. This choice of material is consistent across both switches and contributes to their sound profiles in similar ways. Nylon is recognized for creating a deeper and fuller acoustical experience thanks to its sound-absorbing properties. Because nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, it tends to dull the sound, resulting in a rounder acoustic signature when the key bottoms out. Therefore, despite the differences in top housing materials, the use of nylon in both switches ensures that the bottom-out sound remains deep and rich, providing a cohesive auditory experience.
In summary, the variances between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Durock White Lotus largely lie in their top housing materials, which shape their respective sound profiles. The crispness associated with polycarbonate in the Box White V2 contrasts with the modified blend in the White Lotus, hinting at a different acoustic experience despite both featuring nylon for the bottom. However, the synergy created by the nylon bottom in both switches fortifies a commonality in sound quality concerning how the switches feel upon actuation and release. Users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of bottom-out sound courtesy of the nylon, while the top housing variations offer distinct nuances in overall acoustic manifestation.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that may be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the White Lotus has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. As a result, while both switches provide a relatively manageable typing experience, the Box White V2 is the lighter option, ideal for those who prioritize a softer touch. Meanwhile, the White Lotus's heavier bottom out force could satisfy users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Thus, users' preferences will largely dictate which switch is more suitable based on the desired force characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the Box White V2 offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distances can significantly influence the typing experience, with the shorter Box White V2 catering to those who prefer quicker, more responsive key presses, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the White Lotus, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper typing experience that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, if you favor rapid actuation and a snappier feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is the preferable option, whereas if you enjoy a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Durock White Lotus would be the better choice.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 is notably characterized by its sharp and pronounced click, delivering a crisp auditory feedback that typists often find satisfying. This clicky sound can be quite pronounced, making it an engaging choice for those who appreciate acoustics in their typing experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switches emit a more subdued audio profile. These switches lean towards a low-pitched and neutral tone, creating a less intrusive and more mellow sound that is more suitable for quieter environments. This lower-volume characteristic could appeal to users in shared spaces or those who prefer a more understated sound without sacrificing the satisfaction of feedback during typing.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 excels with its robust tactile bumps that provide clear feedback when keys are actuated, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation. The clicky response also enhances this experience, often making each keystroke feel distinctly satisfying. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches present a gentler typing experience with their easy-to-press mechanism, requiring minimal force for actuation. Their mild and subtle feedback reduces finger fatigue, making them an excellent option for extended typing sessions. This gentle resistance feels approachable and accommodating, appealing to users who may prefer a softer feedback without overwhelming tactile sensations.
Taking all of this information into account, the Kailh Box White V2 and Durock White Lotus switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Box White V2 delivers a pronounced clicky response and crisp audio feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the White Lotus offers a quieter, easy-to-press experience with mild tactility, suitable for those seeking a balanced and comfortable typing environment. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, with each switch providing unique qualities to enhance the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a distinctly audible click and crisp tactile feedback, the Kailh Box White V2 is ideal for you, especially in settings where a lively typing experience adds to your enjoyment, like gaming or personal projects. With its lower bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Box White V2 is also great for those who prefer a lighter touch and may find extended typing sessions to be more satisfying with the added auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're seeking a quieter, more subtle experience that is still enjoyable for long typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus switches are an excellent choice. Their mild tactile feedback and low-pitched sound contribute to a more tranquil typing atmosphere, suitable for both home and office environments where noise levels may be a concern. The medium-light bottom-out force at 56 grams ensures they feel easy to press while remaining comfortable over time. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal comfort, the auditory environment, and how each switch’s characteristics suit your typing style.
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