Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Dustproof Green, both clicky switches. The Box White is favored by those seeking maximum audio feedback, as it produces a distinct "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch sound with a pronounced tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green does not have any specific standout feature mentioned, making it a more subtle and versatile option. If you prioritize a clicky switch with unique auditory and tactile characteristics, the 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and Outemu Dustproof Green switches are quite similar, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness and clear translucency. This makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting as the light can shine through easily. However, the Box White differentiates itself by using a nylon bottom housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Dustproof Green's nylon bottom housing, which also absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Overall, both switches provide unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, with the Box White offering a sharper sound and the Dustproof Green a fuller sound.
While both the Kailh Box White and Outemu Dustproof Green switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their differentiation lies in their nylon bottom housing material. The Box White's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch. Conversely, the Dustproof Green's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. This distinction highlights how the bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, showcasing the importance of housing material composition in mechanical keyboards.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall performance of a switch, it's essential to understand how each component contributes to the sound and feel of typing. The split between the top and bottom housing in switches like the Kailh Box White and Outemu Dustproof Green allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the qualities of each material influencing different aspects of key presses. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. By carefully selecting housing materials, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences, whether they prioritize sharpness, fullness, or a balance of both in their switch sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green features a higher actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier switch. This means that the Dustproof Green will require a more substantial push to register a keystroke compared to the Box White. While some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Box White for longer typing or gaming sessions, others may appreciate the heavier feel of the Dustproof Green for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend 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, which is shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box White offers a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers seeking fast reaction times. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer a satisfying clicky sound, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 Green 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
The Kailh Box White clicky switch is renowned for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, giving users a satisfying auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch's sound characteristics are currently unknown, making it difficult to compare in terms of sound quality. Moving on to the feel, the Box White switch boasts a polished finish that results in smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the Dustproof Green switch remains undisclosed, limiting our ability to make a direct comparison on this aspect.
Considering the information available, it is clear that the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a unique combination of resonant sound and polished feel, appealing to those who prioritize both auditory feedback and smooth key travel. Without detailed descriptions of the sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive comparison. However, it is safe to say that if the Dustproof Green switch exhibits similar qualities to the Box White switch based on their clicky nature, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of both sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference and individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch or the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy the crisp, high-pitched sound profile and crunchy tactile feedback of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a switch with dustproofing features, the Outemu Dustproof Green switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your typing style, preferences for sound and feel, and overall typing experience you are looking to achieve. Consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
