Kailh Box White vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box White and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they offer unique experiences for users. The Box White switch is renowned for its clicky nature, providing maximum audio feedback with a distinct "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and heightened tactility. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch stands out for its linear design, offering a smoother and quieter typing experience with a deeper sound profile thanks to its full nylon housings. While the Box White switch is resonant and high-pitched, the Swift switch is clacky and easy-to-press. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a crunchy and polished typing experience with the Box White or a feathery and bouncy feel with the Swift. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box White and the HMX Swift switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is popular for clear switch housings, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. On the other hand, the Swift's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box White and the Swift use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Given that both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and overall typing experience for both the Box White and the Swift switches.
While the top and bottom housings in the Kailh Box White and HMX Swift switches are different, the housing materials each bring unique qualities to the overall sound profile of the switches. The split in housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience, with the qualities of the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Box White or the softer nylon top housing of the Swift, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, making it the heavier option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams while the Swift only needs 50 grams, making the Swift the lighter option for typing. The actuation force of the Box White provides a more substantial typing experience, whereas the lighter actuation force of the Swift allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. In this case, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding typing feel and force required for keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience, but the Box White is more suited for those who prefer a heavier actuation force, while the Swift is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the Box White has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Swift has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. The Box White offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Swift provides a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched experience, reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves, providing a clean and sharp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch produces a clacky sound, known for its sharp, crisp, and percussive characteristics, thanks to its full nylon housings creating a deeper sound profile. Depending on personal preference, the Box White may cater to those who enjoy a higher-pitched and immersive sound experience, while the Swift appeals to those seeking a more clacky and snappy sound signature.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the HMX Swift switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses with a feathery and bouncy sensation, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, the Swift switch is compared to being creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Depending on individual typing preferences, the Box White may suit those looking for a polished and refined feel, while the Swift may cater to those preferring a light and bouncy typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a resonant, high-pitched sound profile with polished key feel, emphasizing clean and sharp auditory feedback with reduced friction. On the other hand, the HMX Swift offers a clacky sound with an easy-to-press and creamy feel, delivering a deep sound profile and light typing experience. Based on personal preferences, individuals can choose between the Kailh Box White for a clicky and polished typing experience or the HMX Swift for a linear and smooth typing sensation, both offering unique characteristics to enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a crunchy, high-pitched sound with a resonant feel and medium actuation force, the Box White switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth, easy-to-press switch with a deeper sound profile and light actuation force, the HMX Swift switch might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
