Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Red. These switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box Royal is best known for its incredibly tactile feel, providing an almost aggressive tactility that some typists crave. With a sharp and high-pitched sound profile, it demands attention with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Their snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. While these general pointers may help you narrow down your preference, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best switch choice for your specific needs.
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
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 housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Red switches offer distinct differences in sound profile and feel. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. While the materials used in the top housing differ between the two switches, they both have the potential to create a unique sound experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Box Royal and Gold Red switches are both constructed with nylon. As with the nylon top housing, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Therefore, in terms of sound, both switches will offer similar qualities due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
It is worth noting that when the top and bottom housings differ within a switch, the characteristics of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the keypress. The bottom housing is more influential in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact when you release a key. This suggests that the choice of housing material in each part of the switch can provide a nuanced typing experience, allowing users to tailor the sound and feel according to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Royal has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gold Red's 43 grams. However, the Box Royal's bottom out force of 70 grams is significantly heavier than the Gold Red's 50 grams. This means that the Box Royal switch provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push and giving a satisfying tactile feedback when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch offers a lighter and smoother typing experience with a lower actuation and bottom out force. The Box Royal is the heavier of the two switches, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more tactile typing experience. Conversely, the Gold Red is lighter, which may be preferred by those who want a lighter switch to type on for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm. The 4mm travel distance of the Gold Red switch is considered more traditional, while the 3.6mm travel distance of the Box Royal switch is on the shorter side. Shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. Opting for the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal switch would provide a more responsive typing or gaming experience. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial and deeper typing experience, then the switch with the longer travel distance, the Gold Red, would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 tactile switch has a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. This means that when the keys are pressed, they produce a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a sound that is not as rich and bassy, the higher-pitched characteristics of the Box Royal switches would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky sound profile. This means that when the keys are pressed, they produce a deep and satisfying sound, like a soft "knock" or a deep "thud". Additionally, the Gold Red switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow. If you prefer a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red switches would be a suitable option.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump. This means that the feedback intensity is high, and you can distinctly feel the tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a more mild typing experience. It falls into a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Gold Red switches offer a silky typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They also have a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel. The smooth and refined finish of the Gold Red switches, either due to the materials used or factory lubing, ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Box Royal switches provide a sharp and binary tactility, giving a nearly aggressive tactile experience. They have a relatively higher-pitched sound profile and a sharp tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. They have a thocky sound profile, a mild typing experience, and a smooth and polished finish. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel, you can choose between the Box Royal for a more aggressive and high-pitched experience or the Gold Red for a smoother and more mild typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're in search of an incredibly tactile and aggressive keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal is the perfect choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a sharp and binary tactility that is hard to miss. Additionally, the higher pitched sound profile adds to the overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lighter touch, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of only 50 grams, these switches provide a light-medium level of resistance, making typing effortless. The snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality without being too overpowering. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactility and resistance.
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