Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are several factors to consider, including tactility, sound profile, visuals, and overall typing experience. Two popular switches that offer unique qualities in these aspects are the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Flame Red. If you're someone who seeks an incredibly tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box Royal switch is the way to go. Known for its sharp and binary tactility, these switches provide a nearly aggressive key press feel. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch offers a different appeal with its stunning light diffuser, making it ideal for those who prioritize having a visually captivating RGB keyboard. Typing on Flame Reds offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Flame Red both use nylon as their housing material, which is a classic choice for switch housing. This material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Both switches offer a similar sound profile due to the shared use of nylon as their top and bottom housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in the split of their housing materials. The Box Royal has nylon for both the top and bottom housings, meaning that the sound profile and feel of the switch are influenced by the nylon material at both ends. On the other hand, the Flame Red uses a different material for its bottom housing. This means that while the top housing still contributes to the typing sound when a key is released, the qualities of the bottom housing have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This subtle difference can potentially lead to variations in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
In terms of design, the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Flame Red share similarities in their nylon housing. These housings offer a classic choice that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Both switches aim to create a duller and rounder sound by utilizing the sound-absorption properties of nylon. Whether it is the Box Royal's nylon bottom housing or the Flame Red's nylon top housing, the use of nylon in their construction will yield similar results in terms of sound production. Overall, both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience due to the incorporation of nylon as their housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The actuation force of both switches is the same, at 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is equal for both switches. This ensures that users would get similar results in terms of responsiveness.
However, when it comes to bottom out force, we see a contrast between the two switches. The Kailh Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This heavier force provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. This lighter force allows for longer periods of typing without causing excessive fatigue, making it a suitable choice for individuals who need to type for extended periods.
It is worth noting that the differences in bottom out force can affect the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel may find the Kailh Box Royal more appealing, while individuals who prioritize extended comfort may opt for the lighter bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and the specific typing needs of the user.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch. The Box Royal's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, as the shorter distance allows for quicker key press and release movements. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Flame Red. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Flame Red provides a more hearty depth and may be favored by those who enjoy a more gradual key press experience. Both options will provide a tactile response, but the difference in travel distances offers users the ability to choose the option that best suits their preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 relatively higher pitched sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them a suitable choice for those who prefer a more intense and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. They produce a moderate sound that falls in between the rich and bassy profiles of certain switches. This makes the Flame Red switches suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switches are highly tactile in nature. These switches are known for their sharp and binary tactility, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switches offer a more mild typing experience. They have a gentle and approachable feel, falling in the safe middle-ground zone of tactile switches. Additionally, Flame Red switches are described as polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal switches are ideal for those seeking a nearly aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile. They offer a sharp and crisp tactile bump along with a relatively high-pitched sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switches are best suited for those who prefer a more gentle typing experience and a neutral sound profile. They provide a weighty smoothness when typing and produce a moderate sound. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and cater to different preferences. If you're looking to achieve similar results in terms of sound or feel, but prefer a different switch, it's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a keyboard switch with a sharp, aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the perfect choice for you. These switches provide a distinct tactile bump with each keypress, giving you a satisfying feedback intensity. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle typing experience with a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the way to go. These switches offer a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Additionally, if you prioritize visual appeal and enjoy using a backlit or RGB keyboard, the Flame Reds come with a dazzling light diffuser that enhances the aesthetics of your keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Flame Red switches depends on your preferences for tactility, sound profile, and typing experience.
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