Kailh Box Royal vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences to consider. The Box Royal is known for its unparalleled tactile feedback, providing a sharp and aggressive typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a buttery smooth typing feel thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing, delivering a creamy sensation reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Additionally, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch produces a unique high-pitched and clacky sound, setting it apart from other linear switches on the market. While these general descriptions can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch will ultimately lead you to the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different top housing materials. The Box Royal's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials contribute to an overall satisfying typing experience, the difference in sound profile may appeal to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Box Royal and the Vanilla Ice Cream take different approaches to enhance the typing experience. The Box Royal's nylon bottom housing, like its top housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness and durability, providing a clacky typing experience with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance. This shows that while the top housing may influence the sound profile, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall feel and durability of the switch.
Overall, both the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials that cater to different preferences. The Box Royal's nylon housing provides a softer and more absorbing sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend and POK material offer a clacky sound signature with enhanced smoothness and durability. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or durability in a switch, you can choose between these switches to achieve a typing experience that suits your preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Box Royal requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal again has a higher force of 70 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. This indicates that the Box Royal would provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel compared to the lighter touch of the Vanilla Ice Cream. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for extended periods may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who prefer a stronger push may opt for the Box Royal for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches provide a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, allowing for a comfortable typing experience. However, if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, the Box Royal switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is quite minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound profile, providing a crisp auditory experience with each keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch also delivers a high-pitched sound but adds a marbly and resonant quality to the mix, creating a unique and distinct typing sound. Both switches cater to those who prefer a sharper sound profile, so you can expect similar results in this aspect if you choose either one.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is renowned for its sharp tactility, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with every keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and creamy typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that feels seamless and effortless. While the Box Royal emphasizes a sharp tactile feedback, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch focuses more on a luxurious and silky typing experience.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics of both switches, the Kailh Box Royal and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct typing experiences catering to different preferences. If you prioritize an aggressive and sharp tactile feedback with a high-pitched sound, the Box Royal is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing sensation with a similar high-pitched sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches excel in their unique qualities, providing users with a variety of options to suit their individual preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. If you prefer a highly tactile switch with a sharp, binary tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, creamier feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what feels most comfortable to you.
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