Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a variety of options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular switches that stand out are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Crystal, a linear switch. The Box White switch is perfect for those who crave maximum audio feedback, as it produces a distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch sound and features an accented tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Crystal switch offers a different typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a unique linear typing experience. Additionally, typing on the Crystals emits a neutral sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Crystal have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This choice enhances the sound profile of the switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio experience. It is worth noting that the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination. Essentially, the top housings of both switches provide similar results, offering clear and resonant sound profiles with aesthetic advantages.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Box White and the Crystal employ different materials. The Box White relies on nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a relatively softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Crystal utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well. This choice continues to contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, complementing the impact of the top housing. As a result, the bottom housings of these switches bring different qualities to the typing experience, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, both the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Crystal benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, creating clear and resonant sound profiles while allowing for RGB lighting. However, the Box White stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's ability to absorb more sound. Conversely, the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile established by the top housing, ensuring consistency throughout the switch. Ultimately, the differences between the top and bottom housings of these switches result in varying impacts on the sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, one noticeable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. In contrast, the Crystal switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in weight.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal switch would be the better option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for long periods of time, such as those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box White switch offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push and desire a more pronounced feedback when typing.
Overall, both switches fall within a similar weight range, with the Box White being slightly heavier than the Crystal. Whether to choose one over the other depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience. Those seeking a lighter feel should opt for the Crystal switch, while those in search of a more substantial and tactile typing experience may prefer the Box White switch. Regardless of the choice made, both switches offer reliable actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it is evident that the Box White has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box White falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Crystal provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences - whether one prioritizes a shorter and snappier keystroke or a more pronounced and satisfying depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, whereas the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40.
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 switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched characteristics. Typing on these switches will result in a clean and sharp sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This switch is perfect for those who desire maximum audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal switch offers a more neutral sound profile. Described as chirpy and high-pitched, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, but also have a unique squeak to them. While the Crystal switches may not provide the same level of auditory experience as the Box White, they offer their own distinct acoustic signature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Crystal are described as polished. This means that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of these switches contribute to a comfortable typing feel. The tactile experience, however, differs between the two switches. The Box White switch offers accented tactility, providing a slight bump when typing. Meanwhile, the Crystal switch is classified as a linear switch, offering a fairly elastic type feel. This unique typing experience combines medium-light weight with a linear response.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Crystal switches have distinct characteristics in sound and feel. The Box White offers a resonant and high-pitched sound, evoking the sensation of stepping on autumn leaves, along with an accented tactility. On the other hand, the Crystal switch provides a neutral sound profile with a hint of chirpiness and high-pitched tones, while offering a linear typing experience. Both switches feature a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and desired typing experience. However, it's worth noting that the Box White clicky switch can offer similar results in terms of sound to the Crystal linear switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for maximum audio feedback and enjoy a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the way to go. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and offer a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch when pressed. The sound profile is resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy, providing an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the Box White switch is described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a unique linear typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer an elastic-type feel and have a neutral sound profile, described as chirpy and high-pitched. Like the Box White switch, the Crystal switch is also polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch comes down to your preference for sound and typing feel. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile experience with resonant and crunchy sounds, the Box White switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a linear typing experience with chirpy and high-pitched sounds, the Crystal switch is a great option. Consider your personal preferences and choose the switch that best suits your typing style and auditory preferences.
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