Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and Outemu Brown offer distinct typing experiences. The Box White is a clicky switch known for its maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunchy sound while typing. On the other hand, the Brown switch is tactile, offering a subtle bump in the keystroke without the audible click. Both switches cater to different preferences - the Box White for those who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, and the Brown for users who prefer a quieter and softer tactile feedback. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
The main difference between the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Brown switches lies in the material of the bottom housing. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, the Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profile can significantly impact the typing experience, as the softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Brown switches offer a similar aesthetic appeal due to their translucent polycarbonate top housing. This allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually pleasing element to the switches. However, the tactile and auditory experience of typing on these switches may vary due to the contrasting sound profiles produced by the different bottom housing materials. The Box White's nylon bottom housing may provide a more satisfying and rich sound while typing, whereas the Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing could result in a crisper and sharper sound.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Brown switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Box White's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a unique blend of sharpness and depth in sound, creating a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Brown's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout the housing may provide a more uniform sound profile that some users may prefer for its crispness and clarity. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and considerations to take into account when selecting the best option for a specific keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Brown's 53 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams while the Brown needs 65 grams, making the Brown switch slightly heavier. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy category, providing a good balance between typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Box White, while users who favor a more substantial feel when typing may prefer the Outemu Brown. Overall, the weight of a switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Box White has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Brown. The 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while the 3.0mm travel distance is shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Box White a popular choice for gaming keyboards. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Outemu Brown switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer different levels of feedback and actuation, so the choice between them will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Brown 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 qualities, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience with a crunchy feel reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch lacks specific sound descriptors, but is generally quieter compared to clicky switches.
Moving on to feel, the Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the specific tactile qualities of the Outemu Brown switch are unknown, tactile switches like Browns typically provide a gentle bump during key presses, giving users a tactile feedback without the accompanying noise of clicky switches.
In conclusion, if you are looking for maximum audio feedback and a crunchy typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a gentle tactile bump, the Outemu Brown tactile switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy maximum audio feedback and a sharp, high-pitched sound profile with an accented tactility when typing, the Box White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more refined typing experience without the clicking noise, the Brown switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a quieter typing experience. Choose wisely based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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