Switch: Kailh BOX White

Time for the main reason the BOX switches are so liked by many, in particular the tactile and clicky ones. We begin with the OG clicky BOX switch—the Kailh BOX White with its opaque white stem. This is also a 3-pin mechanical switch in that there are two metal prongs for the actuation mechanism and the central plastic pin for in-socket switch stability. The switch is also compatible with 2-pin, 4-pin, and SMD RGB LEDs, and we see a large cutout in the housing and top for light to pass through, with diffuser action in the top to spread the light more uniformly.


The actuation mechanism is similar to the previous switches, but we see a return to the green active block. The feedback mechanism is where the BOX design truly shines, allowing fully decoupled actuation AND feedback. The stem has two bumps, but the second one is placed on the other side of the box, where we see a metal click bar for crisp tactile feedback and a click that is nearly impossible to get with the traditional design. It also means the tactile and clicky feedback can be put anywhere along the travel pathway without incurring the same issues as other clicky switches with a tactile bump way earlier or later than expected, and the click sounding anemic in comparison.


Installation of the Kailh BOX White mechanical switches follows the same steps as before, and both inserting and removing the switches had the same caveat with the case and flex of the plate. As for keycaps, I went back to the original layout with only another novelty keycap of the cat's paw for the Esc key.


This is the force-travel curve for the Kailh BOX White switches courtesy Kailh. These are medium-force tactile and clicky switches with the same total travel of 3.6 mm over the usual 4.0 mm and a rated actuation distance of 1.8 +/-0.3 mm as opposed to the average switch at 2.0 mm. Rated actuation force is 45 +/-15 gf, which is about average as far as the error bar goes. Peak force is rated at 60 gf, which you will hit when bottoming out. As far as the rated specifications go, this switch is quite similar to the Cherry MX Blue with shorter travel overall. But then we see that the tactile bump is nearly at the same point as actuation, with a click force of ~55 gf, which ensures actuation but also tells you exactly when you have hit the actuation point. This is a massive benefit for touch-typing and why I quite like the BOX switch design.


Here is what this specific combination sounds like, and they do have the highest pitch of any tested so far courtesy the click bar. Note also that the clicky feedback and the switches bottoming out are two distinct tones as there is a substantial and nearly equal gap between the two during both the downstroke and upstroke. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with tactile and clicky switches. Personally, I would have preferred a slightly heavier spring or a thicker click bar to further help with touch typing.