Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Red Pro. The Box Royal is renowned for its extreme tactility, providing a sharp and binary tactile feel that appeals to those seeking a more aggressive typing experience. Additionally, its higher-pitched sound profile adds a unique auditory element to the typing process. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a different experience, focusing on versatility and ease of use. With a smooth and seamless typing feel, this switch caters to a wide range of users with its neutral sound signature that fits well in any environment. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches, one can see a clear difference in the materials used. The Box Royal utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in material choice leads to distinct typing experiences for users, with the Box Royal offering a rounder sound while the Gold Red Pro produces a more resonant sound.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing of both the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches remains the same. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile for both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material showcases that while the top housing may play a larger role in the sound produced when typing, the bottom housing also contributes significantly to the overall sound profile of the switches. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the sound and feel of the switches when comparing the Box Royal and Gold Red Pro bottom housings.
Overall, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches greatly influences the sound and typing experience for users. The use of nylon in the Box Royal creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate in the Gold Red Pro results in a sharper and crisper sound. Each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the switches, impacting the overall typing experience. Whether it's a rounder sound from nylon or a more resonant sound from polycarbonate, users can choose switches based on their preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Gold Red Pro switches play a crucial role in shaping the user experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, the Box Royal also has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams while the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel compared to the Gold Red Pro. The Box Royal is better suited for those who prefer a stronger push, while the Gold Red Pro may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and whether a lighter or heavier force is desired for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The slightly shorter travel distance of the Box Royal may provide a quicker key press, while the Gold Red Pro's slightly longer travel distance may give a more satisfying depth to the keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the feel of the switch when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 tactile switch is known for its high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound with each press. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a more neutral sound signature, neither too pronounced nor too muted, making it a harmonious choice for any environment. The differences in sound between the two switches cater to different preferences, with the Box Royal appealing to those who enjoy a higher-pitched sound and the Gold Red Pro offering a more universally pleasing auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal tactile switch is described as having a sharp tactile feedback, providing a strong and distinct bump with each keypress. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a polished and silky typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gold Red Pro also falls under the category of mild and subtle switches, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Overall, the feel of these two switches differs significantly, with the Box Royal focusing on intense tactile feedback and the Gold Red Pro prioritizing a smooth and polished typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal excels in providing an aggressive tactility and high-pitched sound profile, while the Gold Red Pro stands out for its versatility, smooth key travel, and neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If a user prefers a sharp and intense tactile experience with a high-pitched sound, the Box Royal would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, those seeking a more versatile and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile would gravitate towards the TTC Gold Red Pro.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a sharp and aggressive tactile feedback in a keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. The high-pitched sound profile and distinct tactile bump make it a standout option for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, if you are seeking a versatile and smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch would be more fitting for your needs. Its ease of press and adaptability make it suitable for various settings, from gaming to office work. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for tactility and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
