Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Gold Pink

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Gold Pink offer two distinctly different options. The Box Royal is renowned for its unparalleled tactile feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced and almost aggressive tactility. With a sharp feedback and a higher pitched sound profile, these switches provide a truly satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Pink switches prioritize speed and effortless typing with their feather-light 37g actuation force. Perfect for both rapid typing and gaming, they offer a buttery smoothness and a subtle, polished feedback. Both switches have their unique advantages and cater to different preferences, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

TTC Gold Pink Linear

$6.25 per 10

$4.80

$4.28 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Royal and TTC Gold Pink have different housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic and its ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Gold Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Gold Pink is more suitable for use with RGB lighting due to its translucent nature.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and Gold Pink have nylon bottom housings. As with the top housing, the nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs sound, creating a duller and rounder overall sound. Thus, both switches emphasize similar sound qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.

When it comes to the overall impact on sound, the housing materials play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when you press down on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent. Conversely, the top housing will have a significant impact on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, despite the differing materials between the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Gold Pink, both switches can deliver satisfying results in terms of sound and feel, although with distinct characteristics in sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, it becomes apparent that they offer different experiences to the typist or gamer. The Box Royal has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, requiring a more pronounced push to trigger a keystroke, while the Gold Pink offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, allowing for a gentler touch. Similarly, the Box Royal also has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Gold Pink has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. These differences make the Box Royal suitable for those seeking a stronger push feel and a more solid typing experience, while the Gold Pink appeals to individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended periods of typing or gaming. Though their forces differ, it is worth noting that both switches deliver comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out, ensuring an efficient keystroke regardless of the desired force preference.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. With 4.0 mm being the more traditional distance and 3.0 mm being the most shallow, it is clear that the Gold Pink falls closer to the traditional length. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal, as it allows for quicker presses. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Gold Pink and its slightly longer travel distance. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying tactile feel and can deliver similar results depending on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal has a higher pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it a good choice for those who prefer a more distinct and sharp sound profile. The sound of the TTC Gold Pink, on the other hand, is not mentioned in the provided information. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal is known for its sharp tactile feedback. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, providing a high feedback intensity with each keypress. This makes it a great option for those who enjoy a highly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink is described as having a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. The Gold Pinks offer a comfortable and effortless typing sensation, and their qualities lean towards a safe middle-ground zone.

Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Gold Pink switches offer different subjective qualities. The Box Royal provides a sharp, binary tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, making it suitable for those seeking an aggressive tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gold Pink delivers a light and lively typing experience with a smoother and more uniform feel. It is important to consider personal preferences and requirements when choosing between these two switches. If you prefer a highly tactile and sharp switch, the Box Royal would be a great choice. If you prefer a smoother, lighter, and more effortless typing experience, the Gold Pink would suit you well. Both switches offer unique qualities, so it's important to try them out or consider the provided descriptions to determine which one aligns better with your preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for an exceptionally tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Box Royal is the perfect choice. These switches offer a sharp and binary tactility, making each keypress feel distinct and satisfying. The higher-pitched sound profile adds a unique auditory experience to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Pink is the switch for you. With its light 45-gram bottom out force, it provides a buttery and feathery feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The clacky sound profile adds a satisfying level of feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Pink Linear

$4.80

$4.28 per 10

Learn more