Kailh Box White vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. Two switches that stand out in their respective categories are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, a linear switch. The Box White switch is renowned for its maximum audio feedback, producing a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a captivating sound profile resembling the collision of mahjong tiles, with a rich and indulgent bassy tone. Its unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. The medium weight of the Sunset Yellow switch makes it suitable for a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision about which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique and pleasing sound profiles, the Box White's polycarbonate provides a brighter and more distinct sound compared to the Sunset Yellow's POM.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box White features a nylon composition, while the Sunset Yellow utilizes POM. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow also contributes to a deep and muted sound experience. Both housing materials offer a unique auditory sensation, with the nylon of the Box White providing a slightly softer and fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow.
It's important to note that the top housing of a switch has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Although the Kailh Box White and the Everglide Sunset Yellow have different housing materials for their top and bottom, they provide similar results in terms of their deep and muted sound profiles. Both switches offer pleasant typing experiences, with slight variations in pitch and resonance, making them suitable for different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium weight category. The Box White switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sunset Yellow switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams. This slight difference in force can lead to a noticeable variation in typing experience.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Sunset Yellow switch would be the preferable choice with its slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces. This allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Box White switch more suitable due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a stronger push feel, offering a satisfying tactile feedback.
It is worth noting that while the forces vary between the two switches, they both fall within the medium range. This means that regardless of the choice, users can expect a similar level of resistance and feedback. However, for those who prioritize weight, the Sunset Yellow switch would offer a lighter option, enabling longer periods of comfortable typing. Overall, personal preference and the intended usage should be considered when selecting between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Comparing these two switches, it is clear that the Box White has a slightly longer travel distance than the Sunset Yellow.
In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is commonly seen, while 3.0 mm is considered to be the most shallow. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, the Box White with its 3.6 mm distance falls on the shorter end. This shorter travel distance is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times.
On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow with its 3.2 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the keys. Some individuals may prefer this longer travel distance as it provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference. If you value faster response times and a shorter travel distance, the Box White would be the suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when typing, the Sunset Yellow with its longer travel distance would be the better option. In either case, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, ensuring that users will obtain satisfactory results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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 and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches provides a clean and sharp auditory experience, similar to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a bassy and thocky sound. The sound produced is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, and can be likened to a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, providing users with distinct auditory feedback. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is known for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel make typing on these switches sleek and effortless. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy and frictionless feel. The factory lubrication or specific materials used in these switches contribute to a smooth and buttery typing sensation. With the Sunset Yellow switches, users can glide their fingers across the keys with ease, experiencing an effortless melding of each keystroke. Like with sound, the choice of board and keycaps can also impact the overall feel of the switch.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Box White clicky switch emphasizes maximum audio feedback with its crunchy sound and accented tactility. It provides a satisfying typing experience with its resonant and high-pitched sound profile. The Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, on the other hand, offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles, with its bassy and thocky sound. Along with its unique POM stem, proprietary factory lube method, and medium-weight, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a distinct gliding feel and a highly responsive typing experience. While they have different qualities, both switches offer an indulgent experience for keyboard enthusiasts. Whichever switch you choose, be mindful of the other factors affecting sound and feel, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you desire maximum audio feedback and enjoy a higher-pitched, clean and sharp sound profile, the Box White is the switch for you. The "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility it offers will enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and bassy sound, the Sunset Yellow is the switch to go for. Its unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method provide a distinct gliding feel and ensure a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. Additionally, if you prioritize a polished and sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, both switches offer this attribute. Ultimately, the choice between the Box White and Sunset Yellow depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel, allowing you to indulge in a customized and gratifying typing experience.
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