Kailh Box White V2 vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for clicky enthusiasts are the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Brother. The Kailh Box White V2 is well-regarded for its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced keystroke sensation. In contrast, the TTC Brother shines with its lightweight design and a breezy actuation force of just 37g, providing a less strenuous typing experience while still delivering an enjoyable click sound and defined tactile bump. While the Box White V2 offers sharp precision to each keystroke, the Brother entices users with its crunchy sound and balanced feedback, appealing to those who prefer a more subtle tactile sensation. Both switches have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences; the Kailh Box White V2 excels in delivering robust auditory and tactile feedback, whereas the TTC Brother is favored for its easy-to-press nature and delightful sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Brother switches share a distinctive similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This commonality leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile when typing, as polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic known for creating a clear and resonant tone. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the visual aesthetics when RGB lighting is applied, allowing for vivid illumination through the switches. Consequently, users aiming for an engaging auditory experience along with a vibrant visual effect can expect similar results from both switches due to their identical top housing composition.
In contrast, the bottom housing material differs between the two switches, with both the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Brother employing nylon. This choice of nylon results in a deeper, rounder sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder materials. The nylon bottom housing creates a contrasting auditory experience from the polycarbonate top, effectively balancing the higher-pitched sounds produced during key release with a fuller, smoother sound upon bottoming out. This difference in bottom housing materials means that while the sound characteristics of the Box White V2 and the Brother are similar in their upper registers, their lower tonal qualities diverge due to the nylon's unique acoustic properties.
When considering the interaction of these materials during key presses, it's essential to recognize how they affect the sound and feel of the switch. The nylon bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound amplifies the depth of each key press, ensuring that typists experience a satisfying and substantial feedback. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound of key release, making each lift distinctly pronounced. As such, typists using either switch will enjoy an intricate interplay of auditory experiences, with the polycarbonate delivering brightness and clarity in the upper spectrum and the nylon providing warmth and depth in the lower spectrum. This combination allows users to appreciate the nuanced sound profiles and tactile feedback that define both the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Brother switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the TTC Brother clicky switch, notable differences can be seen in their actuation forces. The Box White V2 requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which positions it as a lighter option overall. In contrast, the TTC Brother boasts a lower actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience; however, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown. This means that while the Box White V2 provides a definitive feel with both actuation and bottom out forces, the Brother switch remains an enigma at the end of its key travel. Therefore, those who favor a more substantial typing experience may find the Box White V2 preferable due to its defined bottom out force and slightly heavier actuation force, while those seeking ease in activation might lean towards the TTC Brother switch despite the lack of complete information on its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, the Kailh Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Brother has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that overall, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a more pronounced feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the TTC Brother’s shorter travel distance may offer quicker response times, which can be beneficial for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preference regarding key travel: if you favor a deeper, more deliberate feel, the Box White V2 is the better option, while the Brother is ideal for those looking for a more responsive and rapid keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 White V2 switches provide a distinctly crisp audible click that offers a sharp, satisfying sound with each keystroke. This characteristic makes them well-suited for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Brother switch delivers a delightfully crunchy sound that has been likened to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This sound signature is also described as clear and precise, making it appealing to clicky switch enthusiasts seeking an engaging auditory experience. While both switches aim to provide a pleasant sound, the nature of their click differs, with the Box White V2 being characterized as sharper and the Brother as crunchier.
In terms of feel, the Box White V2 is known for its tactile feedback, which offers a satisfying bump with each press, though specifics on its tactile characteristics are limited. The TTC Brother switch, however, emphasizes ease of actuation, requiring only 37 grams of force, making it exceptionally comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, it exhibits a stepped tactile feel, providing a defined tactile bump that is not overwhelmingly pronounced. This can lead to a more relaxed typing experience, particularly for those who may find overly tactile switches fatiguing. The Brother's gentle resistance combined with its stepped action makes it an inviting option for both casual and experienced typists alike.
Ultimately, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Brother clicky switches cater to users seeking a clicky experience, yet they present different auditory and tactile profiles. The Box White V2 is recognized for its crisp and sharp clicks, while the Brother offers a crunchier sound and a lighter touch, enhancing typing comfort. Those selecting between the two will find that while they share the clicky switch classification, personal preference in sound and feel will heavily influence the overall typing experience, making each switch uniquely appealing in its own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Brother clicky switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a noticeable tactile feedback and a crisp, audible click that adds a satisfying element to your keystrokes, the Kailh Box White V2 is ideal for you. Its 50g bottom-out force provides a balance that can work well for both typing and gaming while delivering that distinct click that many enthusiasts crave. On the other hand, if you prefer something lighter and easier on the fingers, the TTC Brother switch, with its low actuation force of just 37g, offers a seamless, enjoyable typing experience. Its crunchy sound profile and tactile bump are designed to provide a satisfying feel without overwhelming you, making it a great option for long typing sessions or users who simply want a more relaxed switch feel. In essence, opt for Kailh Box White V2 for that robust clicky experience, and choose TTC Brother if you’re looking for an easy, fatigue-free typing solution with a fun sound!
Mentioned in this article
