Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Flaming Purple mechanical keyboard switches, you'll notice distinct differences in their tactile and linear designs. The Box Royal is renowned for its incredibly tactile nature, offering a sharp and binary tactility that is perfect for those seeking an aggressive typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple stands out for its smooth linear design, providing a resonant and slightly bassier sound profile that adds a poppy undertone to each keypress. Additionally, the Flaming Purple's feather-light actuation of just 47g makes typing swift and effortless. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and TTC Flaming Purple both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Box Royal utilizing nylon for both while the Flaming Purple uses polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, with a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate of the Flaming Purple allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing a visually appealing element to the switch.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The qualities of the bottom housing have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. This means that the tactile experience when pressing down on either the Box Royal or Flaming Purple will be quite similar, despite the different top housing materials. However, the top housing of the switch will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing the key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple producing a sharper sound compared to the duller sound of the Box Royal's nylon top housing.
In conclusion, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Flaming Purple ultimately comes down to personal preference based on sound profile, tactile experience, and aesthetic preferences. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Box Royal offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar tactile experience when pressing down. However, the different top housing materials will have a noticeable impact on the sound produced when releasing the key. Ultimately, whether you prefer a deeper, rounder sound or a sharper, more resonant sound will determine which switch is the better fit for your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, we can see some clear differences. The Box Royal has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's 42 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal requires 70 grams of force, which is significantly heavier than the Flaming Purple's 47 grams. This means that the Box Royal offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Flaming Purple provides a lighter and more effortless keystroke. The choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions, and heavier switches for those seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance before reaching the bottom. This similarity in travel distance between the two switches suggests that typing or gaming with either switch will result in a similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Therefore, whether you choose the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch or the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, you can expect to get consistent and comparable results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 switch offers a high-pitched and sharp auditory experience, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch provides a bassier and slightly poppy undertone that leans towards the lower end of the sound spectrum. This can add a touch of depth and richness to the typing experience, appealing to users looking for a more resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired in a mechanical keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp and intense tactile feedback, making each keypress distinctly noticeable with a strong and crisp tactile bump. Conversely, the TTC Flaming Purple switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, requiring minimal exertion from your fingers. This light actuation force can reduce finger fatigue and provide a comfortable typing feel, whether for gaming, work, or everyday use. Additionally, the Flaming Purple switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses and releases. Users who prioritize comfort and ease of typing may lean towards the Flaming Purple switch for its gentle and responsive feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switch appeals to users seeking an aggressive and sharp tactile feedback with a high-pitched sound profile, while the TTC Flaming Purple switch caters to those looking for a smoother, feathery typing experience with a bassier and resonant sound signature. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, so selecting the right switch will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing performance. Ultimately, by considering all available information, users can make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences to achieve their desired mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, consider your preferences for tactility and sound profile. If you prefer a sharp, aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth, feathery feel and a slightly bassier sound with a poppy undertone, the Flaming Purple is a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a strong tactile feedback or a light and effortless typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.