Kailh Box White V2 vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Laurel offer distinctly different typing experiences that cater to varying preferences. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky nature, providing users with satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click that enhances the typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more traditional keystroke feel that signals each input with clarity. In contrast, the KTT Laurel embodies a medium-light linear switch, featuring a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without the distraction of a click sound. Its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design contribute to a responsive and comfortable experience, appealing to users who prioritize speed and quiet operation. While enthusiasts may gravitate towards the tactile announcements of the Box White V2 for gaming or typing, others may favor the KTT Laurel for a serene and efficient workflow. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Laurel switches, we find distinct differences in their housing materials that influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and crystalline quality. This contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Laurel employs a POM top housing, which is softer and produces a deeper, more muted sound profile. The differences in materials lead to notable variances in tonal quality, with the Box White V2 favoring a bright and resonant sound, while the Laurel leans towards a warm, pleasant tone, indicative of its POM composition.
The bottom housings of the two switches further emphasize their sonic characteristics. The Box White V2 features a nylon bottom housing, which is famed for its classic, full-bodied sound. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound waves, creating a rounder and deeper acoustic profile when typing. Conversely, the KTT Laurel, with its POM bottom housing, also produces a deeper and muted sound but features a unique quality distinct from nylon. Both materials contribute to a rich sound experience, but the nuances between nylon's absorption and POM's inherent quality lead to different tactile sensations and sound profiles during use.
Overall, while both the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Laurel switches utilize different top and bottom housing materials, the impact of each material remains significant in shaping the user's experience. If one seeks a sharper, more resonant typing experience, the Box White V2 with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom will deliver that. Conversely, for those who favor a more muted and warmer typing sound, the KTT Laurel with its POM housings would be more suitable. Despite these differences, users can expect high-quality sound profiles from both switches, allowing for personal preference to guide the choice between them.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal some interesting similarities and subtle differences. The Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the KTT Laurel is a bit lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams, also bottoming out at 50 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force, indicating that users will experience a similar feel when fully depressing either switch. However, the Box White V2 has a slightly higher actuation force, making it marginally heavier than the Laurel. This means that for those who prefer a lighter touch, the KTT Laurel would be the ideal choice, particularly for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might find the Box White V2 more satisfying due to its heavier actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Laurel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Box White V2 offers a more substantial feel when pressed down, making it suitable for those who appreciate a heartier depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers and those seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. While the difference is only 0.1 mm, it can impact the typing experience, with the Box White V2 providing a more tactile feedback that some may find more satisfying, whereas the Laurel's responsiveness may cater to users looking for efficiency in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two may depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness in keyboard switches.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 are renowned for their crisp tactile feedback accompanied by an audible click, making every keystroke feel distinctly pronounced. This clicky sound profile can provide a satisfying auditory cue that many typists and gamers enjoy, adding an engaging element to the typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Laurel produces a low-pitched sound that leans towards a more mellow and bass-heavy tone, creating a quieter yet still noticeable aural feedback. The sound characteristics of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used, further modifying the overall auditory experience.
Regarding feel, the Box White V2 is celebrated for its tactile feedback that combines the auditory click with a defined bump, producing a sensation that can feel incredibly gratifying during typing. This tactile response can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more interactive and engaging. On the other hand, KTT Laurel switches are described as snappy, offering a responsive experience due to their medium-light actuation force and unique spring design. This makes them feel lively and quick, providing a different kind of satisfaction for users who prefer a smooth, linear typing motion without the tactile bump or audible click.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Laurel switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. While the Box White V2 provides a clicky sound and tactile feedback that many find satisfying, the KTT Laurel offers a responsive and smooth experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Depending on what qualities you prioritize—be it the auditory and tactile engagement of clicky switches or the straightforward, smooth action of linear switches—both can lead to a fulfilling typing experience, though the sensations and sounds will differ significantly.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Laurel switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile feedback experience, especially for typing and gaming where audible cues are beneficial, then the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it suitable for fast typists who appreciate the satisfying sound and feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, particularly for long hours of typing or tasks requiring minimal distraction, the KTT Laurel is the way to go. Its linear design offers a snappier feel without the audible click, making it a comfortable option for those who value a softer sound profile and less tactile interruption. In essence, choose the Box White V2 for a lively and audible experience, while the Laurel serves best for a more streamlined and peaceful typing session.
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