Kailh Box White vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out as two distinct options with unique characteristics. The Box White switch is renowned for its clicky feedback, offering a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and noticeable tactile bump while typing. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is a linear switch that prioritizes rapid response, perfect for gamers seeking instant triggering and minimal spring resistance. While the Box White excels in providing a high-pitched, crunchy sound, the Speed Silver offers a low-pitched, thocky response. Each switch has its own strengths depending on the user's preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While both switches share this characteristic, the specific design and construction of the bottom housing may still affect the overall typing experience differently.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Cherry MX Speed Silver differ, with the former using polycarbonate and the latter using nylon. Polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as it is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Meanwhile, nylon top housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more muffled and rounded sound when compared to polycarbonate. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience and preference for users who are more sensitive to the sound and feel of their keyboard switches.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials of the Kailh Box White and Cherry MX Speed Silver are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, making them suitable options for users seeking a specific typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch are quite different. The Box White has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver has a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to type quickly and efficiently. However, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown, which may impact the overall feel of the keystrokes. In terms of weight, the MX Speed Silver is the lighter option, which may be appealing for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Box White offers a heavier typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying for a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Cherry MX Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Kailh Box White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 typing experience, reminiscent of crisp autumn leaves. This switch provides an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving a deep, rich, and satisfying feedback when pressed. Choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Box White offering a more pronounced and high-pitched sound, while the MX Speed Silver provides a deeper and more bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish reduces friction and offers a sleek key travel. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is described as textured, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture for added feedback, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for the level of friction and texture experienced during typing.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with a polished feel, while the MX Speed Silver delivers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Box White ideal for those seeking maximum audio feedback and a smooth typing experience, and the MX Speed Silver perfect for gamers requiring rapid response and minimal spring resistance. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound profiles, tactile feedback, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch or the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, you should take into account your preferences and use case. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Box White switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and instant responsiveness, especially in gaming scenarios where every millisecond matters, the MX Speed Silver switch with its linear action and low spring resistance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing or gaming setup.
Mentioned in this article
