Kailh Box White vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box White and the Gateron CM. The Box White is a clicky switch that offers maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and a noticeable tactility while typing. On the other hand, the CM is a linear switch that breaks away from conventions with its full nylon housing, resulting in a richer and deeper sound signature. Additionally, the CM switches come with an impeccable factory lube job, ensuring an effortlessly smooth typing experience and a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and Gateron CM switches have different housing materials that greatly impact their sound profiles. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, while the CM has a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Box White creates a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer nature. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the CM's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Box White.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Box White and CM switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both switches benefit from this aspect, providing a similar sound experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
However, it's important to note that despite their differences, the impact of the housing materials on the overall switch sound is dependent on the specific switch and its design. Each switch has its own unique combination of internals and design choices that can influence the overall typing experience. Therefore, while the housing materials play a significant role, other factors such as spring weight, stem design, and lubrication can also contribute to the final sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Box White is 50 grams, while the CM has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the CM switch requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a medium level of actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a balance between ease of typing and a satisfying feedback.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Box White has a measurement of 60 grams, while the CM has a somewhat heavier force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the CM switch provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a higher force to fully press the key down. Some users may find this additional resistance beneficial for a more tactile typing sensation.
Considering weight is important when choosing a switch, as it can impact typing comfort. Those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions may prefer a lighter switch that requires less effort to actuate. In this case, the Box White would be a better choice, as its actuation and bottom out forces are lighter compared to the CM.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Gateron CM linear switch. However, it is important to note that while the CM is slightly heavier, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and bottoming out experiences with these switches, but with the CM switch providing a slightly stronger push feel. The decision between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron CM linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile experience and key response for both switches. There is no difference in travel distance between the two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound experience. The sound is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is characterized by a thocky sound, like a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to the materials used and/or the factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch is known for its buttery, polished, and creamy feel. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The application of lubricant at the factory contributes to its smoothness, allowing for a silky and frictionless typing experience. These switches glide effortlessly, making each keystroke feel like a melting sensation.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and Gateron CM linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box White switch provides a crisp and high-pitched sound, accompanied by an accented tactility when typing. Its feel is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the CM linear switch offers a deeper and richer sound, with a thocky and low-pitched profile. Its feel is buttery, polished, and creamy, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can deliver a satisfying and immersive typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys a satisfying tactile response, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be a great choice for you. The Box White switch offers a crisp and resonant sound profile, resembling the sound of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, and a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. Additionally, the Box White switch provides a polished feel with reduced friction, resulting in a smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound signature during key presses and a linear switch without any tactile feedback, the Gateron CM linear switch would be a better fit. The CM switch features a full nylon housing and an impeccable factory lube job, offering a bassy and thocky sound profile. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the CM switch provides a bouncy typing experience with its lengthened, dual-staged spring. It also offers a polished and buttery feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron CM linear switch depends on your personal preferences for audio feedback and typing experience. Consider the sound profiles and feel described for each switch to make an informed decision that aligns with your desired typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
