Kailh Box White vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the distinct characteristics of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch. The Box White switch is an excellent choice for those who prioritize maximum audio feedback, as it offers a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and an accented tactility. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch from Durock provides a pronounced yet balanced tactility, along with a unique jelly-like sound signature. Both switches fall under the "Polished" category, ensuring a smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$2.76 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and the Durock Medium Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer similar characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. Its relatively stiff nature produces a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users seeking a more distinctive typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination. Therefore, whether you choose the Kailh Box White or the Durock Medium Tactile, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.

On the other hand, the Kailh Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Durock Medium Tactile also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This can be appealing to individuals who prefer a quieter typing experience. Therefore, both the Kailh Box White and the Durock Medium Tactile will offer similar qualities in terms of bottom-out sound and feel due to their shared nylon bottom housings.

In summary, both the Kailh Box White and the Durock Medium Tactile share the advantageous characteristics of polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp and resonant sound profile. Whether you prioritize sound or aesthetic customization with RGB lighting, these switches deliver comparable results. Additionally, their nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound for a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and specific typing requirements.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, the actuation forces and bottom out forces differ slightly. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Medium Tactile remains unavailable. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Box White measuring at 60 grams and the Medium Tactile at a slightly heavier 65 grams.

Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter switch might lean towards the Box White. A lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive strain, making it suitable for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Medium Tactile, as it has a slightly heavier bottom out force. This extra resistance can provide a more satisfying push feel for those seeking a tactile typing experience.

Although the actuation force for the Medium Tactile remains unknown, if it is similar or lighter than the Box White, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force requirements. However, the heavier bottom out force of the Medium Tactile indicates a more pronounced physical response when pressing the keys fully. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to individual preferences regarding force and desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is slightly longer than the Kailh Box White switch. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Durock Medium Tactile switch, you will feel a slightly greater distance compared to the Kailh Box White switch. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances. While the Kailh Box White offers a shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers for faster response times, the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides a slightly deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box White clicky switch is known for providing maximum audio feedback with a sound profile that is resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The Durock Medium Tactile, on the other hand, has a jelly-like sound signature, but further details about its sound qualities are unknown. 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 used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel. The Durock Medium Tactile switch is characterized as being accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is also described as a stepped switch, offering a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is also considered mild and polished, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is best known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, as well as its polished and smooth feel. The Durock Medium Tactile switch, although lacking specific information about its sound qualities, offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, giving users the option to choose based on their preferences. If an individual desires a similar sound and feel to the Box White clicky switch, they may find the Medium Tactile switch to be a suitable alternative due to its accented tactility and polished finish.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for audio feedback and typing experience. If you desire maximum audio feedback with a sharp and crisp sound profile, the Box White switch is a great choice. Its "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility provide a unique and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile switch is the way to go. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired sound and feel, with the Box White offering resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sounds, and the Medium Tactile providing an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

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Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more