Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Dustproof Black stand out as two popular options with contrasting characteristics. The Box White is a clicky switch, ideal for those who crave maximum audio feedback with each key press, featuring a distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a pronounced tactile feel. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience without any audible click, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. While the Box White is praised for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy attributes, the Dustproof Black is known for its reliable and dust-resistant design. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Dustproof Black, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches results in a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for RGB lighting due to their translucency. However, when it comes to the nylon bottom housings, the Box White and the Dustproof Black both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite the similarities in the top housing material, the bottom housing of the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Dustproof Black differentiates their sound profiles. The Box White's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the Dustproof Black's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience by absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound. This split between the bottom and top housing materials allows for a variation in sound quality when pressing down or letting go of a key, showcasing the importance of both housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Dustproof Black share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the specific qualities of these materials influence the sound profile in distinct ways. The stiffer polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharp and clear sound, while the softer nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound for a deeper typing experience. Understanding the differences in housing materials is crucial for individuals looking to customize their keyboard switches to achieve their desired sound and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a lower bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a higher bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial and forceful typing feel. Those who prefer a stronger push when typing may find the Dustproof Black switch more to their liking. Both switches offer different weight options for users to consider based on their personal preferences. While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and feel based on their individual preferences for lighter or heavier switches.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Dustproof Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kailh Box White. A 0.4 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can affect the typing experience for some users. The shorter travel distance of the Kailh Box White may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Black may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, and users can choose based on their personal typing style and preferences.
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 Dustproof Black 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 offers a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy typing experience, resembling the sound of stepping on autumn leaves. This creates a clean, sharp sound profile that some users find immersive and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare it to the Box White switch in terms of auditory feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Box White switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can enhance the overall typing experience for users who prefer a more effortless keystroke. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Black switch is unknown, making it challenging to contrast it with the polished feel of the Box White switch.
Overall, for those seeking maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch may be the preferred choice. However, if a quieter and linear typing experience is desired, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch could be a suitable alternative. It is important to consider personal preferences, typing style, and the overall setup of the keyboard when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for individual needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile feedback and loud, clicky sound while typing, then the Box White switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience without the tactile feedback, then the Dustproof Black switch would be more suitable for your needs. Remember, the Box White has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Dustproof Black has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. Make your decision based on your personal typing preferences to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.
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