Kailh Box White V2 vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider the distinct characteristics that each type brings to the table. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are renowned for their clicky feedback, delivering a sharp tactile response and an audible click that many typists find satisfying and enjoyable, making them an excellent choice for users who value auditory confirmation and tactile engagement in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer a linear feel, characterized by their light actuation force and lack of sound, appealing to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness over tactile feedback. While the Box White V2 shines in situations where feedback is king, the Yellow Silver caters to those who prefer a more streamlined and quiet experience. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which yield similar acoustic properties. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is attributed to its stiffer nature. This material's translucency not only provides aesthetic appeal, making the switches more visually engaging, especially when incorporating RGB lighting, but also enhances sound clarity. Since both switches share this top housing material, users can expect a consistent auditory experience in terms of sound articulation and resonance when typing or gaming.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches diverges slightly in character although both utilize nylon as the material. Nylon is well-known in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to absorb sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While typing on switches with nylon bottom housings generally evokes a rounder auditory output, the overall sound quality is still enriched by the polycarbonate top. In this case, the Kailh Box White V2 and Outemu Yellow Silver will produce distinct sound experiences, but they both share the underlying nylon characteristic which will affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, creating a well-rounded typing experience.
The overall effect when typing on these switches is a symbiosis of their respective materials. Because the top housing increases clarity and resonance with its stiffer polycarbonate while the bottom housing provides fuller and deeper tones via the softer nylon, users will experience a complex array of sound when using either switch. Although the two switches share similarities in their top housings, the variations in their bottom housings will create unique auditory experiences. This means that while they can be expected to perform similarly in some aspects of sound profile, the combined influence of housing materials leads to nuances that may cater differently to users' preferences, particularly in terms of the tactile feel and sound when bottoming out.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a similar typing experience when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the two switches differ in their bottom out forces; the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Yellow Silver's bottom out force is slightly higher at 55 grams. This means that while both switches allow for light actuation, the Yellow Silver switch requires a bit more effort to bottom out, making it the heavier option overall. This distinction could influence user preference—those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might favor the Box White V2, whereas users seeking a more substantial feel may lean towards the Yellow Silver. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Kailh Box White V2 would be the better choice, while the Outemu Yellow Silver provides a heavier, more tactile response at the bottom of the keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Kailh Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Outemu Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference can impact the user experience significantly; those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Box White V2 due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper actuation, providing a more substantial tactile feedback. Thus, while both switches serve their purposes well, your choice should align with your preference for key response and typing depth.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Kailh Box White V2 switch produces a distinctive, sharp audible click with each keypress, making it easily recognizable and satisfying for those who enjoy an auditory feedback when typing. This click sound adds an engaging sensory element to the experience, which can be particularly enjoyable for typists who appreciate the rhythm of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a sound that is overall quieter compared to the Box White V2. This makes the Yellow Silver especially suitable for environments where noise is a concern, such as shared spaces or office settings, where discreet operation is valued.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 is celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback, offering a satisfying resistance that engages the typist with each press. This tactile bump provides a clear indication of actuation, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. Conversely, the Yellow Silver switch is designed to be smooth and linear, lacking the tactile bump of the Box White V2. Its light actuation force lends itself well to fast-paced typing or gaming, allowing users to press keys quickly without the feedback that can sometimes slow down performance.
In summary, if you are drawn to a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box White V2 will provide an engaging experience that makes each keystroke feel gratifying. In contrast, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience with a focus on speed, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, your selection between these switches comes down to personal preference and the intended use, whether it's gaming, typing, or a combination of both.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Outemu Yellow Silver switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing experience and usage context. If you enjoy a tactile feel combined with an audible click, and you thrive on the satisfaction of hearing each keypress as you type, the Kailh Box White V2 would be an excellent fit for you, especially if you find joy in a more engaging typing experience for tasks like coding or writing. The lighter 50-gram actuation force also allows for rapid typing without much fatigue. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, linear feel and a more subtle sound profile that won't disturb those around you, especially in a shared workspace, the Outemu Yellow Silver would likely be your go-to option. With its 55-gram bottom-out force and focus on speed and responsiveness, it caters exceptionally well to gamers and anyone who values quick, fluid keystrokes during intensive tasks. Depending on whether you seek a more auditory and tactile interaction or a quicker and quieter input method, your decision will guide you to the switch that best meets your needs.
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