Kailh Box Royal vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Peach. The Box Royal is a tactile switch, known for its incredibly sharp and binary tactility. If you're someone who enjoys a nearly aggressive tactility in your keyboard switches, then the Box Royal is the perfect choice for you. Additionally, these switches provide a relatively higher pitched sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach is a linear switch, offering a different typing experience. These switches are prized for their syrupy smooth feeling while typing, providing a satisfying and effortless experience. The Peach switches also produce a deep, thocky sound profile, enhancing the auditory aspect of typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Peach differ in their choice of housing materials. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, while the Peach utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate, as a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly influence the typing experience and the preference of individuals. If a switch features a clear housing, it is more likely to be polycarbonate, which makes it suitable for use with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and the Peach employ nylon. This classic housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. The bottom housing plays a key role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users will experience a similar dull and round sound when typing.
It's important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom. This means that when pressing down on the switch, the feeling and sound associated with the bottom housing are more prominent. Conversely, when releasing a key, the impact of the top housing on the sound becomes more noticeable. Therefore, while the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Peach may have different housing materials for their tops, the overall typing experience and sound will still be comparable due to the similarities in their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams, similar to the Peach, but it takes a slightly heavier 70 grams of force to bottom out the key. This makes the Box Royal a medium-heavy switch, suitable for those who value a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Peach has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. This lighter force allows for a more effortless typing experience, which can be preferred for longer periods of typing or extended gaming sessions. While the actuation forces are the same for both switches, the differing bottom out forces offer distinct tactile feedback and typing experiences. Therefore, one can choose the Kailh Box Royal for a heavier and more substantial feel, while the KTT Peach provides a lighter and more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Peach switch has a slightly longer travel distance than the Box Royal. The 4 mm travel distance of the Peach switch falls within the more traditional range, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Royal is slightly shorter. Gamers who desire faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Peach switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel, or a longer, deeper keypress experience. In either case, both switches offer distinct advantages, catering to different typing or gaming preferences.
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 Peach comes in at $2.91.
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 Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is best known for its sharp, binary tactility. It provides a nearly aggressive tactility that is perfect for those who prefer a highly tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Box Royal is relatively higher pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch showcases multiple prized characteristics of a linear switch. It offers a syrupy smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile. The Peach switch has a low-pitched sound, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal has a sharp tactile feedback that is known for its high feedback intensity. The tactile bump of the Box Royal is strong and crisp, providing a distinct and pronounced feel with each keypress. On the other hand, the Peach switch offers a more mild typing experience. It has a gentle and approachable feel, suitable for most users.
To summarize, the Kailh Box Royal and KTT Peach switches offer contrasting qualities. The Box Royal provides a sharp and aggressive tactility with a relatively higher pitched sound, while the Peach switch offers a smoother and more mellow typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics and will cater to different preferences. 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. With these switches, you can expect similar results as described, but it is always recommended to try them out personally to determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who appreciates an aggressive and pronounced tactile feel, then the Kailh Box Royal switches would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy resistance that provides a satisfying feedback with each keypress. Additionally, the high-pitched sound profile adds to the overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more gentle typing experience, the KTT Peach linear switches would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches offer a medium-light resistance that is approachable for most users. The syrupy smooth feel and the deep, thocky sound profile add to the overall satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Peach switches comes down to your preference for either an aggressive tactility and higher-pitched sound, or a smoother typing experience with a deep and mellow tone. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make an informed decision.
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