Kailh Box Royal vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and KTT Mallo are both solid contenders, each offering unique features to suit different preferences. The Box Royal is favored for its sharp and highly tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who crave a pronounced tactility. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo stands out for its subtle and gentle tactility, striking a balance between feedback and typing comfort. While the Box Royal has a higher-pitched sound profile, the Mallo offers a more neutral sound signature. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and KTT Mallo switches both offer unique characteristics that influence the sound and feel of typing. The Box Royal's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Despite their differences in sound profiles, both housing materials are known for their ability to absorb sound, resulting in a quieter typing experience compared to switches with harder plastic housings.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and Mallo switches utilize nylon, which contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon plastic allows for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. While the top housing may have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, the properties of the bottom housing still play a crucial role in the overall typing experience, especially in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials for switches ultimately depends on personal preference regarding sound and typing feel. While the Box Royal's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Mallo's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials excel in absorbing sound to reduce noise levels during typing. Whether one prefers the softer, rounder sound of nylon or the clearer, resonant sound of polycarbonate, both housing options offer their own unique benefits for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Royal has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mallo's unknown actuation force. However, the Mallo has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The actuation force is important for determining how much pressure is needed to register a keystroke, while the bottom out force reflects the force required to fully press the key down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mallo switch, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Box Royal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired weight of keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mallo has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal. In terms of responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm on the Box Royal may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Mallo may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a longer keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal offers a high-pitched and sharp sound profile upon keypress, providing a distinctive and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo presents a neutral and subdued sound signature that is not overpowering but still offers a subtle feedback when typing. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal is characterized by a sharp and intense tactile bump, offering a high feedback intensity that is prominent with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Mallo provides a feathery and mild typing experience, requiring minimal exertion and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mallo switch is described as stepped and subtle, offering a gentle resistance and light typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Mallo tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal provides a sharp and aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Mallo delivers a more subtle and gentle tactile experience with a neutral and subdued sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for typing feedback and noise level, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing environments and user preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would involve considering factors such as typing style, desired sound profile, and personal comfort preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch or the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it all comes down to your preference for tactility and typing experience. If you prefer a strong, sharp tactility with a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle tactility with a neutral sound signature, the Mallo would be the better option. Additionally, if you prioritize a light typing feel and reduced finger fatigue, the Mallo's feathery and mild characteristics would suit your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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