Kailh Box Royal vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Kang White offer distinct experiences for users. On one hand, the Box Royal is known for its sharp, binary tactility, making it perfect for those seeking an almost aggressive tactile feel. With a relatively higher pitched sound profile, this switch provides a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kang White presents itself as a dazzling linear switch, offering a poppy typing sound that is sure to catch attention. What sets it apart is its self-lubricating material which provides an unmatched smoothness while typing. Classified as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, this switch offers a more versatile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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 KTT Kang White switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Kang White's polycarbonate top housing is relatively stiffer, producing a sharper and crisper sound. The polycarbonate material allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Box Royal and the Kang White utilize nylon as the housing material. As nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity suggests that the bottom housing has a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the keystrokes. The utilization of nylon not only enhances the sound quality but also contributes to the overall typing experience by creating a duller and rounder sound.
When comparing the overall impact of the housing materials, it becomes apparent that the top housing has a more noticeable effect on the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Kang White creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound when compared to the duller rounder sound of the nylon top housing in the Box Royal. However, the impact of the bottom housing is more prominent when pressing down on the switch and experiencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a difference between the two. The Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it heavier, while the Kang White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is slightly lighter.
Considering the weight of the switches, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Kang White switch more suitable. This lighter force can allow for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue or strain. It is an ideal choice for individuals who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Royal switch, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a stronger push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. This can be preferred by those who enjoy a tactile and robust sensation while typing.
In summary, while the actuation force is the same for both switches, the Kailh Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force compared to the KTT Kang White. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the lighter Kang White switch being more suitable for longer typing sessions, and the heavier Box Royal switch providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, we can see that the Kang White has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box Royal has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The 4.0mm distance is more traditional, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Royal is still within a reasonable range, especially for gamers who prioritize faster response times. Opting for the shorter travel distance can lead to increased responsiveness, which is preferred by many gamers. However, those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying feel when pressing down on a key may find the longer travel distance of the Kang White more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99.
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
The Box Royal switch is best known for its sharp and binary tactility, providing a nearly aggressive tactile experience. When it comes to sound, these switches have a relatively higher pitch, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Kang White switch is an exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch, offering a dazzling typing sound. Additionally, the Kang White switch stands out for its self-lubricating material, which contributes to an unparalleled smoothness when typing. In terms of sound, the Kang White switch has a low-pitched profile, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched Box Royal switch. However, the specific feel of the Kang White switch is not described, so it remains unknown.
Overall, the Box Royal switch provides an intense tactile experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Kang White switch offers a poppy linear switch with low-pitched sound characteristics and smooth typing due to its self-lubrication. If you prefer a highly tactile switch with a sharp and crisp sound, the Box Royal would be a great choice. Alternatively, if you lean towards a smooth linear switch with a more bass-heavy and mellow typing sound, the Kang White switch would be a suitable option. Keep in mind 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 someone who prefers a nearly aggressive tactility and enjoys a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches have a sharp, binary tactility that provides a high feedback intensity with each keypress. The sound they produce is relatively higher pitched, creating a crisp and sharp sound experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a dazzling poppy sound, the KTT Kang White linear switch is the way to go. These switches are known for their unparalleled smoothness due to their self-lubricating material. They offer a medium bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your preference for tactility and sound, so consider what qualities you value most when selecting your mechanical keyboard switch.
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