Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Blue mechanical keyboard switches, both fall under the clicky switch category, offering a satisfying audio feedback with each keystroke. The Kailh Box White is known for its distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch sound and strong tactility, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch may not have a specific standout feature like the Box White, but still provides a satisfying clicky feel. If you're looking for a switch with a unique audio feedback and strong tactility, the Kailh Box White may be the way to go. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Blue switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. The similarities in their top housing materials mean that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile between the two switches.
On the other hand, the Box White and Outemu Blue switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Box White featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Outemu Blue uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. The difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the Box White potentially providing a slightly different typing experience compared to the Outemu Blue due to the use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Blue switches allows for a unique typing experience with a balance of sharp, high-pitched sounds from the top housing and deeper, fuller sounds from the bottom housing. While both switches offer their own distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of clarity and resonance from the polycarbonate top housing, regardless of the differences in the bottom housing material.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch reveals some key differences. The actuation force of both switches is 50 grams, providing a similar level of resistance for keystrokes. However, the Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that additional force is required to fully press the key, while the bottom out force of the Blue is unknown. The Box White offers a slightly heavier typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Blue switch's bottom out force remains a mystery, making it hard to determine how it compares in terms of resistance. Ultimately, if the Outemu Blue clicky switch has a similar bottom out force to the actuation force like the Kailh Box White clicky switch does, users can expect a similar level of resistance and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Outemu Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kailh Box White. A shorter travel distance can provide a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers, while a longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying keypress for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each individual is looking for in their typing experience. Both switches offer a clicky feel when pressed, providing a tactile response for the user. Therefore, regardless of the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of the clicky feedback provided by both the Kailh Box White and Outemu Blue switches.
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 Blue comes in at $3.10.
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 is known for its resonant and high-pitched characteristics, giving a clean and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Blue clicky switch. However, both switches are clicky in nature, so you can expect similar clicky sound feedback from both switches. Keep in mind that the sound produced can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about the tactile feel of the Outemu Blue clicky switch. Considering both switches feature a clicky design, you can expect a similar tactile feedback in terms of the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile with a polished and smooth feel during typing. While specific information about the sound and feel of the Outemu Blue clicky switch is lacking, both switches belong to the clicky category, suggesting that you will receive a similar level of clicky sound feedback and tactile feel. As a newcomer, it's essential to consider your personal preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you value a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, as well as a polished and smooth typing feel, then the Box White may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force, tasteful design, and a different typing experience altogether, the Outemu Blue clicky switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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