Kailh Box White V2 vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially when comparing a clicky option like the Kailh Box White V2 with a linear alternative such as the TTC Flaming Purple. The Kailh Box White V2 is renowned for its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced notification with each stroke, enhancing both typing accuracy and satisfaction. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple presents a smoother, linear experience, characterized by its subtle bassy undertones and feathery actuation force of just 47g. This combination allows for speedy typing with minimal resistance, appealing to those who prioritize a quieter and seamless keystroke. While both switches offer unique advantages—one celebrating tactile feedback and the other promoting effortless gliding—individual needs will dictate the preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Flaming Purple, notable similarities emerge, particularly in the composition of their top housings. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate material for their top housings, which is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enables a clearer resonance during actuation. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them excellent choices for setups with RGB lighting, where the glow can be showcased through the clear top.
In contrasting the bottom housings, both the Box White V2 and Flaming Purple make use of nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes a different auditory experience compared to the top housing. Nylon's softer plastic nature absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in materiality means that while both switches will deliver a crisp sound on actuation, they will emit a duller and rounder sound when the key is bottomed out. Thus, the overall auditory experience offered by both switches is a harmonious blend of the sharpness from polycarbonate and the mellowness from nylon.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings in both switches results in a distinctive sound profile that combines the unique qualities of each material. As the top polycarbonate housing influences the sound when releasing the key, and the nylon bottom housing shapes the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a well-rounded acoustic experience. The similarities in materials lead to comparable performance results, where both switches offer a well-defined and pleasing sound profile, showcasing the advantages of combining polycarbonate and nylon at both ends of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, both switches exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users seeking a comfortable typing experience. The Box White V2 requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Flaming Purple features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. This means that the Flaming Purple switch is the lighter of the two, potentially offering easier keystrokes for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Box White V2 provides a slightly heavier feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches will offer similar results in terms of ease of use, but the Flaming Purple's lower force requirements could be advantageous for longer gaming sessions or office work.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch both share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom, leading to a similar tactile feedback during use. As a result, key presses will feel equally responsive regardless of which switch you choose, highlighting a commonality in their design that contributes to the overall typing experience.
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 Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Flaming Purple, the differences are immediately noticeable. The Box White V2 is renowned for its crisp, tactile feedback accompanied by an audible click that provides a satisfying auditory response during each keystroke. This clicky nature amplifies the typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy auditory cues while typing. In contrast, the Flaming Purple delivers a more subdued yet resonant sound characteristic, leaning towards the bassier end of the spectrum. Its deeper sound profile adds a rich, poppy undertone to each press, creating a more immersive auditory experience that appeals to users who prefer a low-pitched and rich sound rather than a sharp, clicky response.
In terms of feel, the Box White V2 offers tactile feedback that many typists crave, but specifics about its precise tactile characteristics are lacking. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple excels in providing a light and effortless typing experience. Its feathery nature means that it requires minimal force to actuate, which reduces finger fatigue over prolonged periods of use. This easy-to-press quality is further enhanced by a silky smoothness during key presses, promoting a comfortable and responsive typing experience that is particularly beneficial for both gamers and typists alike. The overall tactile feedback of these switches may cater to different preferences, as users seeking tactile sensations may find the Box White V2 more suitable, while those wanting ease and fluidity will likely gravitate toward the Flaming Purple.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Flaming Purple switches present distinctly different auditory and tactile experiences that cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Box White V2 is ideal for those who appreciate a clicky and crisp sound coupled with tactile feedback, while the Flaming Purple offers a resonant and deeper tonal quality with a smooth, less tiring feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, making both options valuable depending on one's typing style and aesthetic inclinations.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the experiences you're looking to achieve. If you enjoy a tactile, clicky experience that provides crisp feedback with an audible sound—perfect for both typing and gaming—then the Box White V2 would be an ideal fit. Its 50g bottom-out force offers a comfortable resistance, allowing you to feel each keystroke distinctly, making it a splendid choice for those who thrive on auditory cues during typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer, more seamless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, then the TTC Flaming Purple could be your switch of choice. Weighing in at just 47g, its feathery feel and smooth operation make it excellent for prolonged use, whether you’re engaged in heavy typing sessions or gaming marathons. Moreover, its unique bassy sound signature adds a rich auditory flavor without overwhelming the senses. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your preference for feedback and sound; choose the Box White V2 for a lively, clicky feedback or the Flaming Purple for understated smoothness and effortless keystrokes.
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