Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Brown. The Box Royal switch is renowned for its unparalleled tactility, offering a sharp and binary bump that is perfect for those seeking an aggressive tactile experience. Additionally, the Box Royal produces a relatively higher pitched sound profile, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch prides itself on providing a balanced typing experience. With a slight but satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, these switches offer a comfortable feel without compromising on tactile feedback. The Gold Brown switch has a rounded sound profile that is softer compared to most switches, providing a more subdued typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you choose the best switch that suits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and TTC Gold Brown differ in terms of their housing materials. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gold Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing of the Gold Brown is especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and Gold Brown share the same material - nylon. Nylon is again known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housing. Therefore, the housing material similarity in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that the sound profile will exhibit similar qualities in terms of depth and fullness.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the switch, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ for a switch, the qualities brought by each housing material will be split. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the characteristics of the sound and tactile experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Gold Brown requires 55 grams of force for actuation. Consequently, the Box Royal offers a lighter touch when triggering a keystroke compared to the Gold Brown. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Royal requires a heavier force of 70 grams, whereas the Gold Brown has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box Royal would be the preferable choice due to its lower actuation force. This would be suitable for individuals who intend to type for extended periods, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial keystroke with a stronger push feel might be inclined towards the Gold Brown. Its slightly higher actuation force provides a more tactile typing experience.
In summary, the Box Royal is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it ideal for prolonged typing, while the Gold Brown offers a slightly heavier actuation force, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide similar results in terms of bottom out force, with the Gold Brown being slightly lighter.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal. 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more prevalent, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Box Royal with its shorter travel distance might be the better option for you. On the other hand, some people find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, so if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the Gold Brown with its slightly longer travel distance could be the preferred choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 switches have a higher-pitched profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them stand out among other switches. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switches have a more neutral sound profile. They offer a moderate sound that is softer compared to most switches, without being completely silent. It's worth noting that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a higher-pitched and more distinctive sound, the Box Royals would be a good choice. If you prefer a more balanced and softer sound, the Gold Browns would be a better fit.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switches are described as having a sharp tactile experience. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. They provide a high feedback intensity, making them ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switches offer a more mild and approachable typing experience. They have a gentle tactile bump that falls into the category of an accented switch. This means that while they provide a prominent amount of tactility, it is not overpowering or too subtle. Additionally, the Gold Browns are also described as having a buttery and polished feel, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. If you enjoy a strong and distinct tactile bump, the Box Royals are a great option. If you prefer a more gentle and smooth typing experience, the Gold Browns will suit you better.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal switches and the TTC Gold Brown switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royals have a higher-pitched sound profile and a sharp tactile feel, making them suitable for those who prefer an aggressive and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Browns have a more neutral sound and a balanced tactile feel. These switches provide a satisfying bump, with a slight weightiness and a softer sound profile. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference. Both options offer their own unique characteristics, so you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, but with different levels of intensity and experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a highly tactile switch with a sharp and distinct bump, the Kailh Box Royal is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a nearly aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile. The Box Royal's medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams provides a satisfying and intense typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced switch with a moderate weightiness, then the TTC Gold Brown is the switch for you. The Gold Browns have a slight, satisfying bump and a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches. With a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, these switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Brown will depend on your preference for the intensity of tactility and sound profile.
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