Kailh Box White V2 vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of different types, particularly between the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Ice. The Kailh Box White V2 switches stand out with their clicky design, offering crisp tactile feedback and an audible click that many typists cherish for the tactile and auditory experience it provides. This makes them an excellent choice for users who enjoy that classic mechanical feel and want their keystrokes to be as satisfying as possible. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switches shine with their linear design, characterized by a smooth and responsive action that delivers a premium typing experience, ideal for both gamers and those who use their keyboards for extended periods. The clear, transparent design of the Ice switches adds an appealing aesthetic, making them a popular choice among keyboard builders. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Ice both incorporate polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in similar sound characteristics. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. As a result, users who prioritize visual effects alongside auditory feedback can expect consistent and resonant sound output from both switch types, largely attributed to this shared housing material. The clear top created by the polycarbonate not only permits vibrant RGB illumination but also helps accentuate the switch's overall sound clarity.
In contrast, the choices made for the bottom housing of these switches reveal notable differences in their acoustics and user experience. The Kailh Box White V2 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound compared to its harder counterparts, resulting in a mellower and rounder auditory feedback. Conversely, the TTC Ice employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which retains the sharper and clearer sound profile associated with the material. Therefore, while users of the Kailh Box White V2 may enjoy a richer, more rounded sound, those using the TTC Ice will experience a more pronounced and resonant acoustic quality.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch means that users can expect distinct tactile and auditory experiences. The Box White V2, with its nylon bottom housing, leads to a sound that feels softer and more subdued upon actuation and bottom-out, while the TTC Ice, having polycarbonate at both ends, produces a sound profile that is consistent and crisp throughout the keypress. Thus, even though the top housings are similar, the bottom housings shape the overall feel and sound of each switch differently, leading to varied user experiences while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, we find some interesting differences in their bottom-out forces despite having the same actuation force. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same light pressure to initiate a keystroke, making them both suitable for users who appreciate a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Kailh Box White V2 has a bottom-out force of 50 grams, while the TTC Ice switch has a heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams. This means that the Ice switch provides a more substantial feel when pressed down completely, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option between the two, while the TTC Ice is the heavier choice, offering different experiences based on users' individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Ice linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed down, both switches move the same distance from the top to the bottom. With these identical travel distances, users can expect similar tactile feedback and key actuation depth when using either switch. This similarity can lead to a comparable typing and gaming experience, allowing for seamless transitions between the two types if desired. In summary, both switches provide a consistent travel distance of 3.6 mm, leading to uniform results in terms of keystroke feel and response.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 produce a distinctly crisp and audible click that reinforces their tactile nature. This click not only signifies a keypress but provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switches are designed to deliver a smooth and responsive typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying bottom-out sound. While the Box White V2's clicky profile is more prominent and deliberate, the Ice's sound is more subtle, focusing on smoothness rather than the pronounced feedback of a click.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a pronounced tactile bump, allowing users to feel each keypress distinctly, which enhances the typing experience for those who prefer feedback with their strokes. The click mechanism reinforces this tactile sensation, making it highly engaging for users who enjoy a more involved typing action. Conversely, the TTC Ice switches provide a linear feel that is undeniably smooth with a consistent resistance throughout the keypress. This feature makes the Ice switches ideal for users who seek a fluid typing experience without the distraction of tactile bumps or audible clicks.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Ice switches serve different preferences among mechanical keyboard users. The Box White V2 excels in delivering a crisp sound and tactile feel, perfect for those who enjoy the auditory and physical feedback of a clicky switch. In contrast, the TTC Ice offers a smoother, quieter experience with its linear design, making it suitable for a premium typing experience with less pronounced feedback. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can enhance your typing and gaming experience in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Ice linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying audible click that enhances your typing experience, then the Box White V2 is an excellent option. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it suitable for those who enjoy a responsive touch, particularly for prolonged typing sessions where you want to feel each keystroke without much effort. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience, the TTC Ice linear switch would be more appropriate. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides a solid yet seamless feel, making it ideal for both gaming and everyday tasks where noise might be a concern. To summarize, choose the Box White V2 if you thrive on tactile feedback and auditory cues, while the TTC Ice is better suited for those who favor a clean, linear motion with a premium, elegant design.
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