Kailh Box Royal vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Cream Yellow. These switches couldn't be more different from each other, offering distinct advantages depending on your preferences. The Box Royal is renowned for its unparalleled tactility, providing an almost aggressive feedback with its sharp, binary tactility. If you're someone who craves a highly tactile typing experience, then these switches are an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch caters to those who enjoy a distinctively clacky sound while typing. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem ensure resonant audio feedback, while the lengthened spring creates a uniquely bouncy typing feel. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, but let's delve further into the details to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Cream Yellow switches exhibit some notable differences. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, while the Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and its ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Despite these disparities, both materials still contribute to enhancing the overall sound experience of the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and the Cream Yellow switches employ nylon as their housing material. As nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, it is no surprise that both switches elicit such characteristics. The relatively softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a similar experience from both switches due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
However, it should be noted that when a switch utilizes different housing materials for its top and bottom, the qualities attributed to each housing material become divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the differences between the nylon and polycarbonate top housings of the Box Royal and Cream Yellow switches are prominent, the impact of the bottom housing remains largely similar between the two.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Cream Yellow switches, particularly in their top housing, contrast each other in terms of the sound profiles they offer. Nylon, used in the Box Royal, provides a deeper and fuller sound, while polycarbonate, used in the Cream Yellow, creates a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a comparable bottom-out sound and feel. Regardless of these differences, both switches utilize their respective housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience, showcasing the variety of options available to meet different preferences and requirements.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which means it requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Cream Yellow's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Royal is heavier with a force of 70 grams, whereas the Cream Yellow measures at 58 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Yellow would be a suitable choice due to its slightly lower actuation force. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, ideal for extended work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push may opt for the Box Royal. Its heavier bottom out force provides a more significant tactile feedback, resulting in a more robust typing experience.
Although the differences exist, those seeking similar results with either switch can find similarities in their force range. Both the Box Royal and Cream Yellow fall within the medium force category, ensuring a balanced typing experience that caters to a wide range of preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on the individual's specific typing style and their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Box Royal with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switches are best known for their higher pitched profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them ideal for those who prefer a more distinct and noticeable auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switches are designed to deliver a clacky sound. This means that they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive audio feedback. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal switches are described as having a sharp tactile feel. These switches are known for their high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the contrary, the KTT Cream Yellow switches provide a uniquely bouncy feel. This means that the keys have a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively and rebounding feel when pressed.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switches and KTT Cream Yellow switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royals provide a sharp and high-pitched sound along with a sharp tactile feel, making them suitable for those seeking an aggressive tactility. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switches deliver a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, providing a distinctively resonant audio feedback and a lively typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches. However, if you enjoy the satisfaction of a sharp and pronounced tactile feedback, both switches will provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a keyboard switch with an aggressive and sharp tactile feel, the Kailh Box Royal switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and offer a binary tactility that is hard to miss. Additionally, if you prefer a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royals deliver just that.
On the other hand, if you're more interested in a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow switches would be a better fit for you. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches are designed to provide a resonant and percussive audio feedback, thanks to their shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. The lengthened spring in the Cream Yellow switches also contributes to a uniquely lively and elastic typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Cream Yellow switches depends on your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience in different ways. So, consider your desired typing feel and the sound you prefer when making your decision.
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