Kailh Box White vs. Gateron New North Pole V2

Overview

The Kailh Box White and the Gateron New North Pole V2 are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Box White switch is an excellent choice for users who desire maximum audio feedback and enjoy a satisfying typing experience. With its high-pitched and resonant sound, it offers a unique "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch when typing. Additionally, the Box White switch provides a noticeable level of tactility, making each keystroke feel accented. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch by Gateron offers a different experience. It no longer features a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing feel. However, Gateron has maintained the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is its frictionless typing feel. The New North Pole V2 switch slides seamlessly and smoothly, providing a creamy typing experience. While these generalities may give you an idea of which switch you may prefer, let's dive in a bit deeper to explore the specific features and benefits of each switch, helping you make the best decision for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$2.76 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and the Gateron New North Pole V2 have similar polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature a clear housing, making them suitable for RGB lighting.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Box White utilizes a nylon material, while the New North Pole V2 adopts a polycarbonate bottom housing. The Box White's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. By being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, aligning with the qualities of the top housing.

Overall, the top and bottom housing materials in these switches have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their top housing for a clear and resonant sound, the choice of nylon or polycarbonate in the bottom housing offers different sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a deeper sound with the use of nylon or a sharper sound with polycarbonate, both switches provide distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches, resulting in a consistent typing experience in terms of actuation. However, when considering the bottom out force, slight differences can be observed. The Kailh Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the Gateron switch provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience when fully pressing the keys.

Weight plays a significant role in the typing experience, as it can impact the duration of comfortable typing sessions. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Kailh Box White, as its lower bottom out force allows for prolonged typing without excessive finger fatigue. This lighter weight is particularly desirable for individuals using the keyboard for extended periods, such as at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel, craving a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the Gateron New North Pole V2 with its heavier bottom out force would be the preferred choice. This would offer them a satisfying resistance when fully pressing the keys, providing a tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience. Overall, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch, both the Kailh Box White and Gateron New North Pole V2 offer suitable options, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience according to individual preferences.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, the Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the New North Pole V2 has the longer travel distance compared to the Box White.

Typically, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is shallower. However, shorter travel distances have become popular in recent times, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance, that is the Box White in this case, would be a suitable choice.

On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with more depth and feedback. In such cases, the switch with the longer travel distance, which is the New North Pole V2, would be a better option.

Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. If you desire a quicker response with less travel, the Box White with its 3.6 mm distance is ideal. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel with greater key travel, the New North Pole V2 with its 4 mm travel distance would provide a more satisfying typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White switch is widely recognized for its resonant and high-pitched qualities. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound profile that is often described as similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch are unknown, as no specific descriptors or information about its sound profile are provided. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both the Kailh Box White and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches are described as being polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This can be attributed to the use of high-quality materials and/or factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is also described as creamy, providing a buttery typing sensation that feels effortless and silky. Additionally, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is known for its frictionless characteristics, ensuring a fluid and resistance-free keystroke experience.

Considering the available information, we can conclude that the Kailh Box White switch offers a distinct audio feedback with its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, accompanied by an accented tactility. It provides a crunchy typing experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch aims to deliver a crisper typing experience by eliminating the rubber dampener, while maintaining the hallmark feature of a frictionless typing feel. The sound characteristics of the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch remain unknown based on the given information. If you prefer a similar sound profile and a polished, smooth typing experience, both switches offer comparable results.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys a crunchy sound profile, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be a great choice for you. Typing on these switches will give you the sensation of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Additionally, the Box White switch offers a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be more suitable for you. These switches provide a frictionless typing feel and maintain the seamless glide and smoothness that the North Pole lineup is known for. The New North Pole V2s offer both a polished and creamy feel, resulting in a sleek and buttery typing experience. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction.

Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your preferences in sound and typing experience. If you prioritize maximum audio feedback and a crunchy sound profile, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the way to go. If you prefer a crisper typing experience and a smooth, buttery feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be a better fit for you.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

Learn more

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more