Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, finding the perfect balance between tactile feedback and noise level can make all the difference in your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch known for its aggressive tactility and higher-pitched sound profile, and the TTC Silent Bluish White, a tactile switch that offers a satisfying level of resistance and is designed to be as quiet as possible. If you're someone who craves a pronounced tactile response and doesn't mind a slightly more audible keyboard, the Box Royal may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactile feel and prioritize a quieter typing environment, the Silent Bluish Whites could be the perfect fit. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 TTC Silent Bluish White switches differ in terms of their plastic composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic and enhanced sound absorption. This creates a duller and rounder sound profile that gives a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer plastic of polycarbonate provides a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice if you plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and the Silent Bluish White switches utilize nylon. This common choice for switch housing material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will offer similar qualities.
However, it is important to note that if a switch has different materials for the top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Hence, when pressing down on a switch, you will primarily experience the qualities of the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing material.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal with its nylon top and bottom housings will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing will create a sharper and crisper sound, making it an ideal choice if you plan to utilize RGB lighting. Both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Box Royal has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams, making the Silent Bluish White lighter in this aspect. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Silent Bluish White measures at 50 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Silent Bluish White offers a lighter touch.
Weight is an important consideration in switch selection as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Silent Bluish White more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. The lower actuation force allows for easier and quicker keystrokes. Conversely, the Box Royal's heavier actuation force provides a more tactile and deliberate typing experience, appealing to those who prioritize a stronger push feel.
Although the Silent Bluish White may not match the heaviness of the Box Royal, it offers a comparable level of difference between actuation and bottom out forces. This means that despite the variations in force, both switches can provide a similar level of distinction between keystroke triggering and bottoming out, ensuring consistent feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the shallowest.
Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times during intense gameplay. If you are someone who values responsiveness and quick key presses, then the Silent Bluish White switch with its slightly shorter travel distance could be the better option for you. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the Kailh Box Royal switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White switch to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the quicker actuation it offers. Similarly, those who prefer a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the longer travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 switches produce a relatively higher-pitched sound when pressed. These switches have a sharp and crisp sound profile, which may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct and noticeable auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are described as muted, meaning they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. These switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for use in office or shared living spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switches offer a sharp tactile experience with a strong and crisp tactile bump. The feedback intensity of these switches is high, providing a prominent and distinct tactile sensation with each keypress. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches have a variety of feel characteristics. They are described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This results in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, these switches are also referred to as mild, meaning they offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Silent Bluish White switches are also described as stepped, which means that they have a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This combination of qualities creates a comfortable and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Furthermore, the Silent Bluish White switches are polished, indicating a refined and smooth finish that reduces friction and enables smooth key travel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switches are best known for their sharp and binary tactility, as well as a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. They provide a tactile feedback that is aggressive and distinct. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer a medium tactile feel with a satisfying level of resistance. They prioritize a comfortable typing experience and are designed to be as quiet as possible. The sound and feel characteristics of these switches make them suitable for different preferences and environments. While the Box Royal switches have a more pronounced and aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound, the Silent Bluish White switches offer a smoother and more gentle typing experience with a quieter sound. Whether you prefer a sharp and intense tactile feedback or a smoother and quieter typing experience, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who enjoys a strong and binary tactile feedback, and prefers a higher-pitched sound profile, then the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a nearly aggressive tactility and produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you're looking for a satisfying level of resistance and a precise typing experience, with a focus on quietness, then the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a medium tactile feel and are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. They offer a buttery and stepped typing experience, with a gentle resistance and a polished finish for smooth key travel. Overall, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility and sound, as well as your typing environment.
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