Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Lime. The Box White is a clicky switch that is best known for its maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying and crisp "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch when typing. This switch offers a prominent tactility that is accented and polished, making it an excellent choice for those who crave a distinctly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime switch stands out with its lightweight construction, approachable tactility, and silent operation. With a feathery light typing experience and a subtle, muted tactility, these switches are a favorite among tactile enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the Outemu Lime have contrasting housing materials in their top and bottom housings. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Lime uses a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Box White provides a brighter and more precise sound, the Lime offers a deeper and fuller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Box White and the Lime use nylon. These switch housing materials contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will provide a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound.
It is important to note that the top housing of a switch has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. As such, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box White will create a more pronounced sound when letting go of a key, compared to the nylon top housing of the Lime. However, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will offer similar results due to the similarity of their nylon bottom housings. Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Lime will depend on individual preference for the type of sound profile desired.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Box White switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. In contrast, the Lime switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Lime switch a lighter option.
The actuation force in a switch determines the force required to trigger a keystroke. With the Box White switch requiring 50 grams, it provides a more substantial typing experience as it requires a slightly stronger push. On the other hand, the Lime switch's lighter actuation force of 35 grams offers a lighter and more effortless keystroke. For individuals who prefer a lighter touch, the Lime switch would be a suitable choice.
The bottom out force, which measures when the key is pressed all the way down, is also different between the two switches. The Box White switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly firmer and more satisfying bottoming out experience. On the contrary, the Lime switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, resulting in a softer and less forceful bottoming out sensation.
Considering the weight of the switch is crucial for various reasons. For those who prefer a lighter feel, such as for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, the Lime switch's lighter actuation and bottom out forces would be ideal. However, individuals seeking a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Box White switch with its slightly heavier forces.
In summary, the Kailh Box White clicky switch has a medium actuation force and bottom out force, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force. Both options offer distinct typing experiences with their differing forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, we can see that the Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lime has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Outemu Lime may be the better choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, so if you prefer a more hearty depth when pressing down on a key, the Kailh Box White, with its longer travel distance, would be more suitable. Both switches offer their own advantages, and the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Lime 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White switch offers a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a clean and sharp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch produces a muted sound. These switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. While the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps, the Box White switch will provide a more immersive and rich auditory experience compared to the Lime switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of these switches make for a comfortable and effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch offers a mild and feathery typing experience. These switches are exceptionally light to press and require minimal effort from the fingers, reducing finger fatigue. The Lime switch also has a subtle resistance, providing a gentle typing feel without being too feather-light. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box White and Outemu Lime switches offer distinct qualities. The Box White switch is best suited for those who desire maximum audio feedback, as it provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, along with an accented tactility. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a more immersive auditory experience and a polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Lime switch is perfect for tactile fans who prefer a lighter typing experience with a touch of tactility. With its approachable tactility, muted sound, and feathery feel, the Lime switch is suitable for users seeking a quieter and more gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value maximum audio feedback and a distinct tactile experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer a medium amount of resistance. The "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility add a satisfying touch to your typing experience. Additionally, the resonant and high-pitched sound profile of the Box White switches create an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight switch with approachable tactility and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a feathery light typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The sound profile of the Lime switches is muted and the switch itself has a subtle and mild tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile and auditory experience, the Box White switches will suit your needs. However, if you prefer a lighter and quieter typing feel, the Lime switches are the better choice. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, delivering an enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences.
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