Kailh Box White vs. Kailh Sage

Overview

Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch that will enhance your typing experience? Look no further! Today, we will be comparing and contrasting two popular clicky switches: the Kailh Box White and the Kailh Sage. The Box White switch is renowned for its maximum audio feedback, giving users a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility. On the other hand, the Sage switch offers a distinct typing experience with its heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness. While both switches provide a clicky feel, it's important to dive deeper into their characteristics to determine which one is the best fit for your preferences. So, let's explore further and make an informed choice in selecting the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Kailh Sage Clicky

$2.76 per 10

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and Kailh Sage switches both feature polycarbonate top housings. This choice of material creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize sound quality. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is useful for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Box White and Sage switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Box White and Sage switches feature a nylon housing. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the deeper sound produced. The use of nylon in both switches ensures that this characteristic is consistent.

While the top and bottom housings differ between the Box White and Sage switches, the impact of these materials on the overall typing experience varies. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction means that the Box White and Sage switches may offer slightly different feedback when it comes to key press and release, but the overall sound and feel will still maintain similarities due to the shared use of polycarbonate and nylon materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sage's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Box White requiring 60 grams and the Sage requiring 70 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Box White more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and forceful keystroke may prefer the Sage, with its heavier bottom out force. In either case, the actuation force is a crucial factor in trigger the keystrokes, and while the Box White's actuation force is known, the exact force for the Sage remains unknown. Nonetheless, both switches offer a satisfying clicky experience, ensuring a high level of tactile feedback regardless of the actuation force requirements.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have an equal travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 3.6 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a satisfying clicky feel with the same amount of travel, ensuring a consistent typing experience. Whether you choose the Box White or the Sage, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White switch provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile with clean and sharp characteristics. Typing on these switches can be compared to the satisfying sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch also offers a crunchy sound, similar to the sensation of stepping on autumn leaves. However, the specific sound profile of the Sage switch is not described in the available information. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This leads to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the Kailh Sage switch, it is considered invigorating and sharp. This means that it offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation. The Sage also features a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with every keypress.

Considering the available information, the Kailh Box White and Sage switches provide different subjective qualities. The Box White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, along with a polished and smooth feel when typing. On the other hand, the Sage switch delivers a crunchy sound and an invigorating, sharp feel. Both switches offer a distinct clicky typing experience, but with unique characteristics. If you are looking for a clicky switch with maximum audio feedback and a more refined feel, the Box White switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a heavier weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Sage switch would be a great option. It is important to consider personal preferences and try out different switches to find the perfect fit for your typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for maximum audio feedback and a distinct clicky typing experience, the Kailh Box White switch would be a great choice for you. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and an accented tactility when using these switches. They produce a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, giving you an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the Box White switches have a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, the Kailh Sage switch would be the better option for you. These switches offer a refreshingly sharp clickiness and a crunchy sound profile, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. When typing on the Sage switches, you can expect an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, with pronounced feedback and a strong, crisp tactile bump.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White and Kailh Sage switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize maximum audio feedback and a smoother typing experience, the Box White switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a heavier switch with a sharper clickiness and a more invigorating tactile feel, the Sage switches would be a better fit for you. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision, and happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

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Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more