Kailh Box Royal vs. KTT Wine Red

Overview

When it comes to finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are countless options to choose from. Two popular choices are the Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch, and the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch. The Box Royal switches are renowned for their incredibly tactile feel, making them ideal for those who crave a strong, almost aggressive tactility. Additionally, these switches boast a higher pitched sound profile, adding a touch of auditory satisfaction to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches offer a completely different typing experience. With a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile, typing on these switches feels like a dance on clouds. The switch's low-pitched sound adds a touch of serenity to your typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

KTT Wine Red Linear

$6.25 per 10

$2.71 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Royal and KTT Wine Red switches differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. While the Box Royal utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Box Royal produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Wine Red delivers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic nature, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent property of the polycarbonate top housing of the Wine Red makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting.

Despite their differences, both switches exhibit certain similarities in their housing materials. As both the Box Royal and Wine Red switches utilize a classic switch housing material, nylon, they both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the inherent nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a similar sound experience when typing on switches made with nylon housings. Similarly, the utilization of a clear housing in the top portion of the switch, whether polycarbonate in the Wine Red or nylon in the Box Royal, enhances the sound produced, making it particularly beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting effects.

The housing materials chosen for the top and bottom portions of a switch greatly influence the resulting sound and feel. In switches with different top and bottom housings, such as the Box Royal and Wine Red, the unique qualities of each housing material are distributed accordingly. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics become noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel. For example, the softer and more sound-absorbent nylon of the Box Royal bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound and a softer bottom-out feel. Conversely, the top housing's impact on the sound is more prominent when releasing a pressed key. Thus, the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Wine Red adds a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile upon key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Box Royal is slightly heavier, at 45 grams, compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams. However, both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force.

When it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal is again the heavier of the two, requiring 70 grams of force to fully bottom out, while the Wine Red only requires 55 grams. In terms of weight, the Box Royal can be considered medium-heavy, while the Wine Red is categorized as medium-light.

For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Wine Red switch may be the better option. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for easier and more effortless keystrokes. This can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying typing experience may find the Box Royal switch more appealing. Its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, which some users may prefer for a more responsive and tactile experience.

While the actuation and bottom out forces may differ between the two switches, the overall results obtained will be similar. Both switches offer a satisfying keystroke experience, albeit with variations in weight and force. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch will depend on individual preferences, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Wine Red is slightly longer than the Box Royal. Traditionally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered standard, while a distance of 3.0 mm is seen as more shallow. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances for faster response times, the 3.6 mm distance of the Box Royal may be more appealing to gamers. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and improved responsiveness. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Wine Red to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is best known for its sharp, binary tactility, offering a nearly aggressive tactile experience. When it comes to sound, the Box Royal produces a relatively higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is praised for its pillowy light typing feel and satisfyingly deep, rich sound profile. The Wine Red has a bassy sound, characterized by a lower frequency range and a mellow tone. However, the feel of the Wine Red switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're in search of a keyboard switch with a nearly aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, then the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches provide a sharp, binary tactility that is sure to enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, then the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a lighter touch while still providing a satisfying typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for tactility and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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KTT Wine Red Linear

$2.71 per 10

Learn more