Kailh Box White V2 vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Cream Yellow provide distinct options tailored to different preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 stands out as a clicky switch, offering crisp tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively and interactive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow is a linear switch, renowned for its bouncy feel and distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that deliver resonant audio feedback. While the Box White V2 is ideal for users seeking a pronounced auditory and tactile response, the Cream Yellow caters to those who prefer a smoother, more fluid keystroke with a unique auditory flair. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Cream Yellow switches share a notable similarity in their choice of housing materials, specifically in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which is renowned for its stiffer nature that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when the keys are pressed. This commonality is significant for enthusiasts who value sound clarity and resonance, particularly when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal light diffusion. Therefore, regardless of brand differences, users can anticipate a similar auditory experience from both switches, thanks to the shared benefits of polycarbonate in their top housings.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches employ nylon—a classic choice among keyboard switches. Nylon is characterized by its softer plastic properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike the stiffer polycarbonate top, the nylon bottoms absorb sound, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic quality when typing. This contrast in materials between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Users can expect that while the top housing will influence the tonal clarity and sharpness, the bottom housing will dictate a more subdued and rounded sound profile.
In summary, while the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Cream Yellow switches utilize different brands and slight variations in design, they effectively deliver comparable sound profiles owing to their shared housing materials. Users can experience a unique combination of sharpness from the polycarbonate top, complemented by the deeper and fuller tones created by the nylon bottom. This duality in sound characteristics allows each switch to present a well-rounded auditory experience, appealing to those who seek both clarity and depth in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly during long sessions. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, favoring users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. This means that while both switches provide a satisfying feel, the Box White V2 is better for users seeking a lighter feel, while the Cream Yellow is preferable for those wanting a firmer push. As a result, if you're looking for a lighter switch that allows for extended use without fatigue, the Box White V2 may be the better choice, whereas the Cream Yellow caters to those who prefer a more resistant typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Box White V2, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who enjoy a sense of heft in their key presses. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow, being the shorter option, allows for quicker actuation, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. Therefore, if you're looking for a more tactile experience, the Box White V2 would be the better choice, whereas if you desire a snappier feel, the Cream Yellow would better meet your needs.
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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 White V2 switch is notable for its crisp tactile feedback combined with a pronounced audible click, providing a distinctive auditory cue that many typists find satisfying. This clear, sharp clicking sound can be especially enjoyable for those who appreciate a more mechanical sound profile while typing. In contrast, the KTT Cream Yellow switch generates a distinctly clacky sound characterized by its bright and percussive qualities. The sound produced by the Cream Yellow is lively and resonant, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which amplify the auditory feedback upon key activation. Both switches can vary in sound dynamics depending on the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps, but the inherent qualities of each switch lend themselves to different auditory experiences.
When considering feel, the Kailh Box White V2 switch provides a firm tactile bump that signals actuation, enhancing the typing experience with a noticeable resistance before a satisfying click. This can help improve typing accuracy, as the tactile feedback guides the typist during presses. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is designed to offer a bouncy sensation that feels springy and elastic, providing a lively rebound effect that can make typing feel almost effortless. The combination of a longer spring and unique stem design contributes to this bounciness, creating a fun and dynamic experience that contrasts sharply with the more traditional tactile feedback of the Box White V2.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Cream Yellow switches provide unique sensory experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Box White V2 emphasizes a crisp, clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Cream Yellow offers a clacky sound profile and a buoyant, responsive feel. Depending on whether one prioritizes the audible feedback of the click or the lively sensation of bounciness, both switches can deliver satisfactory typing experiences, albeit in very different ways. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the traditional clickiness associated with tactile switches or the vibrant responsiveness inherent in linear designs.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile. If you enjoy a lighter touch and appreciate the tactile feedback accompanied by a pronounced click, the Box White V2 is the ideal choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it easier to type for longer sessions without straining your fingers, and the satisfying audible click can enhance your typing experience, especially if you love that classic clicky feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium resistance with a more subdued acoustic profile, the Cream Yellow switch may better suit your needs. With a bottom-out force of 58 grams, this switch offers a satisfying bouncy feel and a clacky sound that provides unique resonance with each keystroke, making it particularly enjoyable for gaming or fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and sound of the Box White V2 or the bouncy, resonant characteristics of the Cream Yellow.
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