Kailh Box White vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Ink Black V2. The Box White is a clicky switch, best known for providing maximum audio feedback. Typing on these switches feels like stepping on autumn leaves and produces a distinctive "crunchy" sound, accompanied by an accented tactility. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a linear switch, highly regarded in the keyboard community for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. This switch offers a more mellow experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a chirpy feel. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the attributes of each switch, discovering the best switch for your needs requires a more in-depth exploration.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$2.76 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a relatively high-pitched but not overly sharp sound described as clacky. While both top housings aim to enhance sound quality, they offer distinct tonal characteristics.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box White utilizes a nylon material that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Ink Black V2 incorporates Gateron's INK blend bottom housing, which shares similar pointed and high-pitched sound qualities with its top housing. This implies that the Ink Black V2 aims to maintain consistency in sound output throughout the switch, rather than splitting the qualities between the top and bottom.

In terms of tactile experience, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This means that the composition of the bottom housing will significantly contribute to the overall typing experience, including the tactile feedback and sound produced. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the choice of housing material for each switch will have varying effects on the overall feel and sound depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing. Nonetheless, both switches offer unique qualities and aims to optimize their respective sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, some distinct differences can be observed. The Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ink Black V2's 60 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box White is 60 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires a slightly heavier 70 grams of force for bottoming out.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box White switch may be the ideal choice, as its actuation and bottom out forces are comparatively lower. This lighter weight allows for extended periods of typing, making it well-suited for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Ink Black V2. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, this switch offers a stronger push, resulting in a more robust typing experience.

While the forces required for actuation and bottom out differ between the two switches, both fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, ensuring that users can achieve similar results in terms of keystroke registration. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and the desired weight of the keys.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have different travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Black V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Ink Black V2 falls within the standard range of 4.0 mm, while the Box White is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, so the Box White may be a preferred choice for those seeking a more responsive keyboard. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more hearty typing experience, the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White switch is best known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a clean and sharp sound that resembles the satisfying crunch of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The auditory experience is immersive and offers maximum audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as having a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound. These switches produce a deeper and richer tone during key presses, with a unique chirp that sets them apart. Compared to the Box White, the Ink Black V2 offers a more mellow and bass-heavy sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This polished surface reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. With its gentle characteristics, this switch falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it suitable for most users. Similar to the Box White, the Ink Black V2 also features a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering the available information, the Kailh Box White switch excels in offering an immersive auditory experience with its resonant and high-pitched sound profile. The crunchiness of the switch adds an extra layer of satisfaction to typing. In terms of feel, the polished finish provides a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a more mellow and bass-heavy sound, with a unique chirp that sets it apart. Its mild characteristics make it approachable for most users, and the polished finish ensures smooth key travel. Depending on personal preferences, individuals can choose between the crisp and tactile experience of the Box White or the smooth and rich clack of the Ink Black V2. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your preference for sound and feel. If you desire maximum audio feedback and enjoy the experience of a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch along with accented tactility, then the Box White switch is the ideal choice for you. The resonant and high-pitched sound profile of the Box White offers a clean and sharp auditory experience, perfect for those who prefer a more immersive and crisp sound when typing. Additionally, the polished finish of the Box White switch ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is the way to go. The low-pitched and bassy sound profile of the Ink Black V2 provides a more mellow and deep tone, suited for those who enjoy a richer and more bass-heavy sound during key presses. Moreover, the mild and polished feel of the Ink Black V2 switch offers a gentle and approachable typing experience, making it a safe and versatile choice for most users.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you seek. Consider the auditory experience and tactile feel that resonate with you the most, and choose accordingly. Whether you opt for the dynamic and crunchy feel of the Box White or the smooth and refined experience of the Ink Black V2, both switches offer their unique qualities that will enhance your mechanical keyboard typing journey.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more