Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and Outemu Silent Grey stand out as excellent options, each offering unique characteristics to cater to varying preferences. The Box White is ideal for those who enjoy a clicky switch experience, providing maximum audio feedback with a distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch sound and accented tactility. On the other hand, the Silent Grey is tailored for individuals seeking a quieter typing experience, featuring a highly tactile feel with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Box White is categorized as 'Resonant', 'High-pitched', 'Crunchy', 'Polished', the Silent Grey does not have specific categorizations listed. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Silent Grey, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. While both switches have similar top housings, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Silent Grey also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar sound experience to the Box White.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Silent Grey contributes to a consistently sharp and crisp sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the overall sound quality, making each keystroke more pronounced and satisfying. However, the distinction in the bottom housing material sets these switches apart in terms of sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of both switches introduces a deeper sound profile, creating a more rounded and duller sound compared to the sharper tone produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This combination of housing materials allows for a unique and balanced typing experience with each switch.
Overall, the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Silent Grey showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and resonant sound, the nylon bottom housing sets them apart in terms of the depth and fullness of the sound produced. The split between top and bottom housing materials highlights the importance of each component in creating a well-rounded typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Box White or a deeper tone with the Silent Grey, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to individual preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equal in that aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams, while the Silent Grey requires 65 grams, making the Silent Grey the heavier of the two. The Box White provides a medium level of resistance, while the Silent Grey offers a medium-heavy feel. The difference in bottom out force can impact the typing experience, with the Silent Grey providing a slightly more substantial feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Box White, while those who prefer a stronger push may opt for the Silent Grey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see that the Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Grey has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Grey switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box White. The Box White is more in line with the trend of shorter travel distances, which can be favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to individual preference in choosing which one to use.
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 Silent Grey 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 switch is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy characteristics, providing a satisfying auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience without any specific descriptors provided, indicating a lack of audible feedback. If you prefer a more immersive and crispy sound, the Box White switch would be the way to go. As for feel, the Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available for the feel of the Silent Grey switch.
In conclusion, if you are looking for maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White switch would be the recommended choice. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactility, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is a suitable alternative. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force, opt for the Box White. However, if you prefer a quieter and highly tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Silent Grey would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize audible feedback or a silent keystroke while typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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