Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch known for its distinctive audio feedback, and the Outemu Silver, a linear switch. The Box White switch is perfect for those who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, with a unique "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch sound that provides excellent feedback. In contrast, the Silver switch is a smooth and straightforward linear switch without any additional characteristics. While the Box White offers a resonant and high-pitched typing experience, the Silver switch remains silent and subtle. 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
45g
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 Silver, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that they will both produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the differences in sound quality may be more apparent in the bottom housing material, where the Box White utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silver also uses nylon but may create a slightly different sound due to other factors at play.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Box White and the Silver use nylon, which is known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. As a result, the sound and feel of typing on these switches may be quite similar, with slight variations based on other components and design features.
When considering the overall impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the sound and feel of the switches, it is clear that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The qualities of the bottom housing material, such as nylon in these cases, will contribute to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material, in this case polycarbonate for both switches, will influence the sound when releasing a key. While there may be subtle differences in sound and feel between the Box White and the Outemu Silver due to variations in design and other components, the choice of housing materials plays a key role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have noticeable differences. The Box White has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silver requires 65 grams compared to the Box White's 60 grams, making the Silver switch the heavier option overall. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a certain level of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Silver linear switch. The Box White switch offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for a faster gameplay experience. On the other hand, the Silver switch provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for users who prefer a more robust feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Silver 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 and high-pitched experience that is likened to the sound of stepping on autumn leaves. This switch provides a clean and sharp sound profile with an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare in this aspect. However, both switches' sound can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the contrary, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch. It is important to note that the typing experience can also be affected by factors such as actuation force and key travel distance, which may vary between these two switches.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch stands out for its distinctive sound profile, providing a crunchy and high-pitched auditory feedback along with a polished typing experience. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound and feel is currently unknown. If you are looking for a similar sound and feel to the Kailh Box White switch, it is recommended to consider switches with similar characteristics such as clicky switches for sound and polished switches for feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider your preference for a tactile and clicky typing experience. If you enjoy the satisfying "crunchy" sound and accented tactility that the Box White offers, then this switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience without any audible feedback, then the Silver switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
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