Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Flaming Pink offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Box Royal, a tactile switch, is renowned for its pronounced and aggressive tactility, providing a sharp and binary feedback that many typists crave. Its higher-pitched sound profile adds to the typing experience, making it particularly satisfying for those who appreciate tactile cues while typing. Conversely, the TTC Flaming Pink stands out as a linear switch, delivering a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and everyday typing. The Flaming Pink provides a more subdued auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a quieter yet satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth and fluid 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
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Flaming Pink switches present interesting contrasts in their top housing materials, which play a significant role in their overall sound profiles. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound. This quality results from the softness of nylon, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Flaming Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is more resonant and clear. The translucency of polycarbonate also offers an aesthetic advantage for users interested in RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination effects.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Flaming Pink are both equipped with nylon. This consistency means that when typing on either switch, users will experience a similarity in the deeper and rounder sound profile that is characteristic of nylon. Since the bottom housing has a significant influence on the feel and sound at the moment of bottoming out, both switches will deliver a pleasant tactile experience rooted in the inherent qualities of nylon. The shared material for the bottom housing allows both switches to maintain an element of familiarity in their performance, even as their top housing materials create distinct sound characteristics.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Flaming Pink switches showcases how the interplay of housing materials impacts user experience. While the top housing materials diverge in terms of sound profile—with nylon offering a wetter, more muffled tone and polycarbonate providing a sharper, more crystalline sound—the bottom housings align in producing a deeper acoustic quality. Therefore, one can expect to find some commonalities in sound and feel when engaging with the bottom housing across both switches, while the unique attributes of their top housings will cater to different auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Flaming Pink features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it considerably lighter overall. This difference in weight can have a significant impact on the typing experience: users who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or gaming might gravitate towards the TTC Flaming Pink, while others who favor a more substantial push will appreciate the Kailh Box Royal's heavier forces. Ultimately, users should consider their personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed, they provide the same feel and motion from top to bottom. This equivalence ensures that users can expect similar keypress experiences in terms of the distance traveled. Consequently, whether you're using the Box Royal or the Flaming Pink, the travel distance will not be a distinguishing factor; instead, other characteristics of the switches such as tactile feedback and actuation force may play a more significant role in the overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
The sound profiles of the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Flaming Pink switches offer distinct auditory experiences. The Box Royal switches produce a higher-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, making each keypress feel pronounced and decisive. This characteristic makes them well-suited for those who prefer a sound that cuts through the background noise without adding richness or bass. In contrast, the Flaming Pink switches provide a more balanced auditory experience. Their sound is described as bright yet not overly loud, offering a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience without being distracting. Though both switches create an engaging sound, the Box Royal's higher pitch lends itself to a more aggressive auditory signature compared to the subtler tones of the Flaming Pink.
When considering the feel, the differences are even more pronounced. The Box Royal switches are known for their sharp tactile feedback, characterized by an intense and crisp tactile bump that users can distinctly feel with every keypress. This sharpness makes them ideal for typists seeking a strong tactile response that firmly signals when a key has been actuated. The Flaming Pink switches, however, are celebrated for their smooth and responsive nature. They provide a fluid and effortless experience with each press, making them enjoyable for both gaming and typing tasks. While the Box Royals deliver high-intensity feedback, the Flaming Pinks are designed for a pleasant and seamless keypress without the pronounced tactile bump.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Flaming Pink switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Box Royal emphasizes a sharp, high-pitched auditory experience combined with aggressive tactile feedback, making it appealing to those who crave a pronounced response. In contrast, the Flaming Pink switches offer a smoother typing experience with a balanced sound profile that's suitable for a range of activities. Overall, both switches excel in their respective qualities; while they may not be the same in every aspect, they each provide unique advantages that can enhance the mechanical keyboard experience depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch should depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more assertive tactile experience with a pronounced feedback on each keypress, the Box Royal is the way to go, especially if you appreciate a sharp, high-pitched sound profile and don't mind the medium-heavy force of 70 grams. These switches are ideal for those who want a clear distinction between the actuation point and bottoming out, making them suitable for both typing and gaming where precise keystrokes are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter typing experience, the TTC Flaming Pink is more appropriate with its 50-gram force requirement, providing a responsive feel without the aggressive tactile feedback. The Flaming Pink’s balanced sound profile makes it versatile for gaming and everyday tasks without being overly loud. In essence, choose the Box Royal for a tactile, feedback-rich experience and the Flaming Pink for a smooth, effortless ride through your typing day.
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