Kailh Box White vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and Bsun Olive stand out for their unique characteristics. The Box White, a clicky switch, is perfect for those who crave maximum audio feedback with its "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive, a tactile switch, boasts an all-POM housing that delivers a resonant, deep sound along with pronounced tactile feedback thanks to its unique design and long pole stem. While the Box White offers a crunchy and high-pitched typing experience, the Bsun Olive provides a sharp and snappy feel. Each switch has its own merits, but diving in deeper beyond generalities will help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the Bsun Olive both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Box White's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Olive's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how different housing materials can greatly affect the overall typing experience. Additionally, the Nylon bottom housing of the Box White creates a deeper and fuller sound, in contrast to the POM bottom housing of the Olive, which also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound.
While the Box White and the Bsun Olive differ in their housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Box White enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for users looking for a sharper sound profile. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Olive produces a unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted, catering to users who prefer a softer and more subdued typing experience. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches prioritize delivering a pleasant sound profile that complements the typing feel.
In conclusion, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the Bsun Olive ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While the Box White features a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound and a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound, the Olive opts for a POM top and bottom housing for a more muted and unique sound profile. Both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, but the type of sound and feel you prefer will determine which switch is the better fit for your needs. Whether you prioritize a crisper sound or a deeper, more muted sound, both the Box White and the Olive have something unique to offer.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and Bsun Olive tactile switch have differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Olive's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, the Olive has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Box White's 60 grams, making it heavier in that aspect. Both switches fall into the medium range for actuation force, but the Olive leans towards medium-heavy for bottom out force. These differences mean that the Box White may offer a slightly lighter initial typing feel, while the Olive may provide a heavier and more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Box White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Olive switch. While both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, the Box White offers a bit more depth when pressed. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Box White due to its slightly longer travel distance. However, individuals who prefer a smoother and more concise keystroke may find the Olive switch more appealing. Ultimately, both switches provide a shorter travel distance option, catering to those who favor quicker typing and gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a high-pitched, resonant, and crunchy sound profile that is reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch provides a deep, resonant sound that is characterized by its sharp bottom-out and unique design. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Box White producing a higher-pitched sound and the Olive delivering a rich, deep tone.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. The Olive switch provides a pronounced tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, creating a responsive and immersive typing sensation that is distinct from the polished feel of the Box White switch.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box White provides a high-pitched, crunchy sound with a polished feel, the Olive delivers a deep, resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers looking for the right switch for their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a high-pitched, resonant, and crunchy sound with a polished typing experience, the Box White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a deep, resonant sound with an invigorating, accented, sharp, and snappy tactile feel, the Bsun Olive switch could be more suited to your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you find most satisfying and enjoyable.
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