Kailh Box Royal vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and KTT Purple Star offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Box Royal is renowned for its extreme tactile feedback, providing a sharp and crisp keystroke with a high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Star stands out for its smooth typing experience thanks to its all-POM construction, coupled with a light 45g bottom-out and a low-pitched sound signature. While the Box Royal suits those who crave aggressive tactility, the Purple Star caters to typists who prefer a gentle and comfortable typing experience. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Purple Star switches offer distinct characteristics that result in different typing experiences. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star features a POM top housing, creating a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon. While both materials contribute to a rich sound profile, the nylon top housing of the Box Royal may offer a slightly rounder sound compared to the POM top housing of the Purple Star.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and Purple Star switches use the same nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the nylon top housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches ensures that the sound produced when pressing down on the keys maintains a cohesive and satisfying feel. Overall, the housing materials of the Box Royal and Purple Star switches work together to create a harmonious typing experience with unique sound profiles.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the typing experience, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This separation of qualities allows for a dynamic typing experience where users can appreciate the nuances of both the top and bottom housing materials in each keystroke. Whether using the Kailh Box Royal with its nylon top and bottom housings or the KTT Purple Star with its POM top and nylon bottom housings, typists can enjoy a tactile and acoustically pleasing typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal requires 70 grams, making it heavier than the Purple Star's 50 grams. The Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, while the Purple Star offers a lighter touch for a smoother typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Star would be the ideal choice, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Box Royal would be more suitable for users who prefer a more robust and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Box Royal has a slightly longer distance compared to the Purple Star. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial press when typing or gaming, the Box Royal may provide a more satisfying depth with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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 switch has a higher-pitched profile, creating a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a more low-pitched sound, leading to a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, the sound produced by each switch can vary in intensity and tone.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, providing a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. This intense feedback may be preferred by those seeking a more pronounced typing experience. On the contrary, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a milder typing experience with easy-to-press keys, requiring minimal force to activate. This gentle resistance is ideal for light typists looking for a comfortable and effortless typing feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and KTT Purple Star switches offer contrasting qualities in both sound and feel. If you prefer a sharp and aggressive tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a low-pitched sound and easy-to-press keys, the Purple Star switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall keyboard setup you're aiming to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider the level of tactility and bottom-out force that best suits your typing style and preference. If you prefer a sharp, aggressive tactility with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Box Royal switches are perfect for you. These switches offer a high-pitched sound profile and a sharp tactile bump for a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and light typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star switches are ideal. With their all-POM construction, light bottom-out force, and easy-to-press feel, these switches provide a comfortable typing experience for light typists. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactility and feedback or smoothness and ease of use in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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