Kailh Box Royal vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with a satisfying tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Pine offer distinct options to meet your needs. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp, binary tactility, providing an almost aggressive feedback that is perfect for those who crave a highly tactile experience. Additionally, the Box Royal has a relatively higher-pitched sound profile that adds to the overall satisfaction of typing. On the other hand, the KTT Pine, a linear switch, offers a completely different typing experience. Known for its medium-heavy nature and buttery smoothness, the Pine switches are designed to provide effortless typing. With a polished and factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction, resulting in a smooth key travel. The Pine's sound profile is characterized by a bassy and creamy note, giving a lower-pitched sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences perfectly.
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Pine have contrasting housing materials. The Box Royal features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both. Nylon is known for its softer and more absorbent properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, creating a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. While the Box Royal and Pine offer differences in sound characteristics due to their housing materials, they both deliver satisfying typing experiences, albeit with distinct tonal qualities.
The choice of housing material also influences the feel of the switches. With the Box Royal, the bottom housing's softer nylon contributes to the overall tactile experience upon pressing down a key. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine adds a more crisp and precise feel when typing. The influence of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Whether it's the duller and rounder sound of the nylon top housing in the Box Royal or the clear and resonant sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Pine, the choice of housing material impacts the overall keyboarding experience.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Pine ultimately provide similar results – a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles. While the Nylon and polycarbonate materials offer contrasting tonal qualities, both switches are designed to enhance typing experiences and cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with the Box Royal's nylon housing or a sharper and crisper sound with the Pine's polycarbonate housing, both switches deliver on their promise of providing an enjoyable keyboarding experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have the same actuation force, requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that in terms of the initial sensitivity, users can expect similar results from both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a noticeable distinction. The Kailh Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing users with a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine has a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, which may be preferable for those who prefer a lighter touch and enjoy typing for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing experience and endurance.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch, which is 4 mm. The Box Royal falls into the category of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a sense of greater depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal offering a heightened sense of responsiveness and the longer travel distance of the Pine catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp, binary tactility, providing a nearly aggressive tactile experience. When it comes to sound, these switches have a relatively higher pitched profile. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a medium-heavy, buttery smooth feel, designed for effortless typing. These switches have a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the Box Royal produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed. In contrast, the Pine switch has a bassy, low-pitched sound profile that offers a deeper and richer experience. When it comes to feel, the Box Royal has a sharp tactile bump that is strong and distinct with each keypress. On the other hand, the Pine switch provides a buttery, creamy typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Royal provides a sharp tactile bump and a higher pitched sound profile, the Pine switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a bassy and low-pitched sound. The choice between these switches depends on personal preference, considering factors such as desired tactility, sound preference, and typing feel. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other components of your keyboard setup, such as the board and keycaps. However, regardless of the specific qualities, both switches can deliver satisfying results for enthusiasts seeking a tactile or linear switch experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a highly tactile switch with a sharp feedback intensity, the Kailh Box Royal is the perfect choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a nearly aggressive tactility that is unmatched. The higher-pitched sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize smooth and effortless typing, the KTT Pine linear switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams and a buttery smooth feel, these switches provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The factory-lubed finish minimizes friction for smooth key travel. The sound profile of the Pine is more bassy and low-pitched, offering a deeper and richer tone. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and KTT Pine comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience.
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