Kailh Box White vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Smoothie offer two distinct typing experiences. The Box White is a clicky switch that provides maximum audio feedback, with a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility. On the other hand, the Smoothie is a linear switch known for its thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and lightweight touch. While the Box White is resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy, the Smoothie is buttery, low-pitched, and creamy. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and Gateron Smoothie both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Box White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound, while the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite their differences, both materials allow for the passage of RGB lighting thanks to their translucent properties. This means that users can enjoy a visually appealing experience with either switch.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Box White's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM bottom housing contributes to a similarly deep and muted sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Box White absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the POM material. Both switches aim to give users a satisfying typing experience, with each material offering its own unique characteristics to enhance sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White and Gateron Smoothie comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While the top housing of each switch will impact the sound when pressing down and letting go of a key, the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether one prefers the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted sound of POM, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Box White has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Smoothie's lighter 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box White provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Smoothie offers a lighter actuation force for smoother typing. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Smoothie may be the better option, while the Box White would be more suitable for those who prefer a heavier typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference in terms of typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distances, both switches offer a similar keypress experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, users can expect consistent typing feedback and actuation feel from both switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two switches, as they both offer a standard 3.6 mm distance. Both the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provide a satisfying typing experience with a consistent travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
The Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched auditory experience, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, providing a clean and sharp sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deep and satisfying tone. While the Box White switch delivers a crunchy sound associated with clicky switches, the Smoothie switch provides a subdued sound signature, creating a more subtle auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Box White being more resonant and high-pitched, while the Smoothie offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile.
As for the feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is characterized as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. The Smoothie switch provides a silky sensation, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease, while the Box White switch delivers a more polished typing experience. Both switches offer distinct tactile feels, with the Box White being polished and the Smoothie being buttery, creamy, and silky.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White switch provides a resonant, high-pitched sound profile with a polished tactile feel, while the Smoothie switch delivers a thocky, low-pitched sound signature with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Whether you prefer the crunchy clickiness of the Box White switch or the smoothness of the Smoothie switch, you can achieve satisfying typing experiences with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box White clicky switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you prioritize a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force, known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, along with a polished feel for smooth key travel, then the Box White would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with an unknown bottom out force, celebrated for its thocky and low-pitched sound signature, along with a buttery, creamy, or silky typing experience, then the Smoothie switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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