Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Brown Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with two distinct options. The Box Royal is revered for its intense and sharp tactility, making it the go-to choice for those who crave a tactile experience that leaves no room for ambiguity. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a more subtle and nuanced feedback, providing a gentle tactile bump that allows for immersive typing without the distractions of a loud sound profile. While the Box Royal caters to individuals seeking a more aggressive tactile sensation, the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who prioritize a quieter and understated 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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 Kailh Box Royal and TTC Gold Brown Pro both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Box Royal's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, while the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound because of its stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which absorb sound and create a rounder sound profile. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the similar bottom housing materials ensure a consistent typing experience in terms of sound.
In terms of sound profile, the top and bottom housing materials of the Box Royal and Gold Brown Pro play crucial roles. The split between the nylon top housing and polycarbonate top housing results in distinct differences in sound when pressing down and letting go of a key. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced by the nylon material in both switches, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate in the Gold Brown Pro producing a sharper sound compared to the duller sound of the Box Royal's nylon top housing.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Gold Brown Pro comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Box Royal offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon housing materials, providing a more muted and rounder typing experience. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate housing materials create a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more clear and resonant typing experience. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches deliver quality sound profiles that can enhance your typing experience based on your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, there are some notable differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key response. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box Royal offers a more substantial typing experience with a firmer press required to fully depress the key. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro may provide a lighter typing feel without the specific information on bottom out force. Overall, choosing between the two switches may depend on personal preference for typing feedback and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal and TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switches have slightly different travel distances. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal. However, the difference is minimal and may not be noticeable to all users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in keyboards today. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance for quicker response times, while others may prefer the slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro provides a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, emphasizing a deep and satisfying sound with a more mellow tone. If you prefer a quieter and more understated typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be the better choice, while the Box Royal is perfect for those who enjoy a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal is known for its sharp and intense tactile bump, providing a strong and crisp feedback with each keypress. On the contrary, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing experience, characterized by a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction, gentle resistance, and two-stage tactile feedback. If you prefer a more aggressive and prominent tactile feedback, the Box Royal would be the ideal choice, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a smoother and more subtle typing experience for those who prefer a gentler touch.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Gold Brown Pro switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles catering to different preferences. The Box Royal provides a sharp and crisp typing experience with aggressive tactility, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a more subdued and understated typing experience with gentle tactile feedback. Depending on whether you prefer a higher-pitched and intense typing experience or a lower-pitched and smoother typing experience, you can choose between these two switches to meet your individual preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality tactile feedback and can deliver a satisfying typing experience based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a sharp and aggressive tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the perfect match for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a thocky, low-pitched sound profile that allows you to focus on your typing without distraction, then the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice. Consider factors such as the level of tactility, sound profile, and overall typing experience to determine which switch best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual typing style and preferences. Happy typing!
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