Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Brother offer unique experiences for users seeking different qualities in their typing experience. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense tactility, providing a sharp and aggressive tactile feedback that is unmatched in the market. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out with its lightweight nature and satisfyingly crunchy sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a more gentle but still precise tactile feedback. The Box Royal is best suited for those who crave a pronounced tactile response, while the TTC Brother is ideal for individuals looking for a more subtle yet satisfying typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and TTC Brother both have their own unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Brother features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The difference in material contributes to the overall typing experience, with the Box Royal offering a more muted sound compared to the Brother's clear and resonant sound.
Both the Box Royal and TTC Brother have nylon bottom housings, which further enhance the deep and full sound profile of the switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for a consistent typing experience with a dull and round sound. While the top housing may differ in material, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a similar typing feel and sound quality. This consistency in the bottom housing material helps to maintain a cohesive typing experience across different switch components.
In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the TTC Brother allows for RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option for those who enjoy customizing their keyboard setup. The translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects and adds a touch of flair to the overall look of the switches. In contrast, the Box Royal's opaque nylon top housing focuses more on the typing experience, with its emphasis on sound profile rather than visual aesthetics. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and appearance in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, it is evident that the Box Royal is heavier in both respects. The Box Royal requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, giving it a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The weight of a switch is important as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Some may prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Brother clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant for most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Kailh Box Royal, while those looking for a slightly quicker keystroke may opt for the TTC Brother. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, and users are likely to get comparable results from either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal and TTC Brother switches offer contrasting experiences. The Box Royal provides a high-pitched sound, leading to a sharp and crisp noise upon each keypress. On the other hand, the TTC Brother switch delivers a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Box Royal appealing to those who enjoy a higher pitched tone, while the Brother satisfies fans of a more textured and crunchy sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Brother switches also present varying tactile experiences. The Box Royal is known for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and intense tactile bump with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Brother switch is easy to press, requiring minimal force for activation. Additionally, the Brother switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing two distinct stages during the keystroke - a feature that contributes to a more nuanced typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper and more intense tactile feedback or a smoother and easier actuation, both switches offer unique advantages for different typing styles.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Brother switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Box Royal excels in providing a sharp and high-pitched sound with an aggressive tactile feedback, while the TTC Brother offers a smoother and lighter feel with a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature. To achieve a similar level of satisfaction, it is important to consider your personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as how these switches will complement your overall typing experience based on factors such as keycaps and keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive characteristics that cater to a variety of typing styles and preferences in the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, consider your preferences for tactility and sound. If you enjoy an aggressive tactile experience with a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a satisfyingly crunchy clicky sound, the Brother switch could be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to your personal typing style and sensory preferences. Consider trying out both to determine which one enhances your typing experience the most.
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