Kailh Box White V2 vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, especially between the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Gold Red Pro. The Kailh Box White V2 stands out as a clicky switch, celebrated for its sharp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it a favored option for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience reminiscent of vintage typewriters. This clicky response can enhance typing accuracy and provide a gratifying auditory cue, appealing to typists and gamers who thrive on keystroke precision. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro offers a smooth, linear typing experience characterized by its ease of press and adaptable nature. With a neutral sound profile, it fits comfortably into various environments—be it the bustling office or the quiet home study—making it a versatile choice for users who prefer seamless keystrokes without the distraction of noise. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to different user needs and 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Gold Red Pro boast remarkably similar housing materials, which leads to overlapping characteristics in their sound profiles. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, enhancing the overall keyboard typing sound. Additionally, both switches leverage the aesthetic advantages of polycarbonate, with its translucent qualities making it perfect for accommodating RGB lighting. As a result, users looking for vivid lighting effects can expect similarly satisfying visual outcomes when using either switch.
The bottom housing of both the Box White V2 and the Gold Red Pro is composed of nylon, a classic material in the switch manufacturing world. Nylon's inherently softer nature contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing vibrations that would otherwise resonate more prominently in harder plastics. This quality creates a distinct contrast to the brighter tones produced by the polycarbonate top, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience when the switch is bottomed out. Therefore, irrespective of the switches' intended purposes (tactile feedback versus linear movement), the nylon bottom housing ensures both switches deliver a rich sound quality.
In summary, although the Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Gold Red Pro utilize differing materials for their bottom housings, their top housings are identical in terms of material and resulting acoustic properties. With the polycarbonate tops contributing to a crisp sound when the key is released, and the nylon bottoms fostering a fuller sound when pressed down, users can expect cohesive performance across both models. The complementary nature of these materials results in a balanced auditory experience, merging the highs from the polycarbonate with the lows from the nylon, leading to enjoyable performance regardless of the switch preference.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces, with the Box White V2 requiring a 45-gram force to register a keystroke, while the Gold Red Pro is slightly lighter at 43 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Gold Red Pro might be the more suitable option. However, the Box White V2 exhibits a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a bit more resistance when fully pressed down, creating a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unavailable, which makes it difficult to compare this aspect directly. Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 is the heavier switch in terms of bottoming out, while the Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force, appealing to those who prefer less resistance when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Kailh Box White V2 is the shorter of the two, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who favor quicker response times due to reduced key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch suits you better; choose the shorter option for responsiveness or the longer for depth.
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 Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
The sound profile of the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by its clear, crisp click when a key is pressed, making it highly distinctive and audible. This click adds an extra layer of feedback, ensuring that the user receives immediate auditory confirmation of their actions. Conversely, the TTC Gold Red Pro features a more subdued but pleasing auditory experience. It boasts a thocky sound, which is deep and satisfying, akin to a soft thud or gentle knock when a key is engaged. Its neutral sound signature makes it versatile, suitable for various environments without being too intrusive. While the Box White V2 is for those who enjoy a prominent click, the Gold Red Pro caters to users preferring a sound that blends seamlessly into their surroundings.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White V2 is known for its tactile feedback, giving typists a pronounced sensation upon actuation that some may find invigorating. This tactile response, combined with the click, makes it a highly satisfying choice for those who seek a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro excels in offering a polished and silky smooth typing feel, thanks to its refined materials and reduced friction. Users can enjoy a mild and subtle typing experience with this switch, making it approachable for both casual and professional use. The Gold Red Pro’s smoothness significantly enhances the overall typing experience, providing gentle resistance while ensuring minimal distraction in sound or feel.
In summary, both the Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Gold Red Pro embody unique characteristics that appeal to different typing preferences. The Box White V2 stands out with its audible click and tactile feedback, perfect for those who find joy in the sound of their keystrokes. Conversely, the Gold Red Pro offers a versatile and smooth experience, ideal for users who appreciate a more muted auditory presence and a polished typing feel. Whether you prefer the pronounced feedback of the Box White V2 or the serene smoothness of the Gold Red Pro, your choice will ultimately reflect your personal typing style and environmental considerations.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, your decision should be guided by your personal preferences and the intended use scenario. If you favor a more tactile and auditory experience, the Box White V2, with its crisp clicking sound and satisfying tactile feedback, could be the right choice, especially for typing tasks where the auditory cue is beneficial. It’s ideal for those who enjoy the engaging sensation of a clicky switch while typing or gaming. However, if you're looking for a smoother experience without the extra noise, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch would be more suitable. Its polished and silky feel makes for a seamless typing experience, perfect for extended sessions in various environments, whether it's work, gaming, or casual browsing. Better yet, its neutral sound signature allows you to use it in quieter settings without drawing attention. Ultimately, your preferences for sound and tactile feedback will guide you in selecting the best switch for your typing style and usage patterns.
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