Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Venus stand out as compelling options with distinct characteristics. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp, binary tactility, making it ideal for those seeking a pronounced tactile feedback with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Venus offers a uniquely balanced experience, combining a smooth, frictionless glide with a "Q-texture" that provides a springy resistance akin to biting into a chewy mochi. This switch's very light actuation promises rapid typing, while its muted sound signature adds a subtle auditory element to each keystroke. Each switch offers a different tactile and auditory experience, catering to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Venus switches offer unique characteristics that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Kailh Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the TTC Venus utilizes a POM top housing, creating a more muted sound with deeper tones. While both materials contribute to a pleasing sound, the nylon top housing of the Box Royal may provide a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Venus's POM top housing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Kailh Box Royal uses nylon, which also contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch. The Venus, on the other hand, incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus allows for clear housing, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches showcase how the choice of material can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards.
While the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Venus switches may have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both offer unique qualities that affect the typing experience. The split between the nylon and polycarbonate materials in the top and bottom housings allows for a variety of sound profiles to be experienced during typing. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer enthusiasts a range of options to customize their typing experience based on housing material preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch to the TTC Venus linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are notable differences. The Box Royal has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Venus, which also has a 45-gram actuation force. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Venus has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Venus offers a lighter feel for those who prefer a less strenuous keystroke. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may gravitate towards the Venus, while those who seek a stronger push feel may lean towards the Box Royal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will 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, which is shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the TTC Venus linear switch. The Box Royal offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the Venus switch provides a slightly deeper keypress, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, catering to individual preferences. In this case, the Box Royal is the shorter option, while the Venus is the longer option, providing users with the ability to choose based on their desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 tactile switch offers a high-pitched sound profile that produces a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. This can provide a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch presents a low-pitched and muted sound signature that offers a more bass-heavy and subdued tone. This can create a quieter typing experience compared to the Box Royal. Depending on your preference for sound, the Box Royal will lean towards a more high-pitched and sharp sound, while the Venus will offer a quieter and more mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump that provides a high feedback intensity with each keypress. This results in a distinct and strong tactile sensation that can be felt prominently during typing. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a buttery and frictionless typing experience with a seamless and effortless keystroke. This gives a smooth and uniform feeling when pressing the keys, ensuring a fluid travel with minimal resistance. Depending on your preference for feel, the Box Royal will provide a strong and crisp tactile bump, while the Venus will offer a smoother and polished typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal excels in providing a high-pitched and sharp sound with a sharp tactile bump, while the Venus offers a quieter and more buttery sound with a smooth and frictionless typing experience. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound and feel during typing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you can achieve the desired typing experience based on your individual needs.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider your preferences for tactility, actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prioritize a sharp, aggressive tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Box Royal. This switch delivers a high-pitched sound profile and a sharp tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the TTC Venus may be more suitable for you. The Venus offers a unique "matte" sensation with a frictionless glide and Q-texture, resulting in a light actuation and a muted, subdued sound signature. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences for tactility and typing feel. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and desired auditory experience.
Mentioned in this article
