Kailh Box White V2 vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preferences regarding feedback and sound. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying auditory experience alongside its tactile feedback, making it an appealing choice for typists and gamers who enjoy the distinct sound of each keystroke. Conversely, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is a linear switch, renowned for its smooth and silent operation, ideal for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience without the distraction of clicks. This lightweight switch offers a refined touch, catering to those who appreciate a delicate and nuanced feel while typing. Both switches cater to different user needs: the Box White V2 for those who revel in audible feedback, and the Light Cloud V2 for those seeking quiet efficiency without sacrificing comfort. 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
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches showcase distinct characteristics in their top housings that result in contrasting sound profiles. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound that resonates clearly when typing. This material is well-suited for enhanced RGB lighting effects due to its translucency, allowing light to pass through vividly. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer properties of nylon absorb more sound, leading to a duller, rounder acoustic experience. Thus, while both switches may be fundamentally designed for different auditory sensations, the quality of the top housing inherently shapes how these experiences unfold.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find that the Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Light Cloud V2 both incorporate nylon materials. In this instance, the use of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switches will share a similar sound profile, characterized by a deeper and rounder quality. Because nylon's softer nature dampens sound, the bottom-out experience when these switches are pressed down will be notably fuller. This shared material enables similar results in terms of sound depth during actuation, which can create a degree of consistency for users transitioning between the two switch types, despite the differences noted in their top housing.
The cumulative effect of both the top and bottom housing materials in each switch highlights the nuanced differences and similarities between the Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Light Cloud V2. The varying acoustics from polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing of the Box White V2 results in a more defined auditory output during release, while the nylon top in the Light Cloud V2 generates a softer auditory experience. However, both switches maintain the same bottom housing material, which leads to a shared deeper sound when bottoming out. Therefore, users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience across both switches but will experience different sound characteristics at different stages of keypress, offering unique tactile feedback depending on the choice of switch.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch to the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar ease of pressing the key for a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Box White V2 at 50 grams and the Light Cloud V2 at 58 grams. This means that while both switches will feel equally responsive when activating a key, the Box White V2 offers a lighter overall feel due to its lower bottom out force. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Light Cloud V2 may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Thus, for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Kailh Box White V2 would likely be more comfortable over long periods, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 is better suited for those who appreciate a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, we find that the Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Light Cloud V2 measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. Consequently, if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Light Cloud V2 would be the better choice due to its shorter actuation distance. However, the Box White V2's travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press, providing a deeper feedback experience. Overall, while the differences are subtle, they can significantly impact user experience based on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 Light Cloud V2, the differences are striking. The Box White V2 is characterized by its crisp tactile feedback paired with a prominent and unmistakable audible click, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 offers a much quieter experience, described as muted and neutral. This switch minimizes the characteristic noises usually associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a more discreet option suitable for shared spaces or quiet environments.
In terms of feel, the differentiation between these two switches continues. The Box White V2 provides a pronounced tactile feedback that some users find satisfying; however, the specifics of its feel are not detailed here. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 is engineered for a supremely refined typing experience. It features a mild feel that offers approachable performance for both beginners and seasoned typists. Its lightweight nature results in a switch that is easy to press, requiring minimal effort, which helps to minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it ideal for users looking for comfort and efficiency.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Light Cloud V2 offer distinctly different experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Box White V2 appeals to those who favor a tactile and audible click, satisfying for many typists, while the Light Cloud V2 caters to users seeking a quieter, lighter, and more delicate typing feel. Both switches serve specific user preferences effectively, and depending on your typing style or environment, either could be an excellent choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Light Cloud V2 should be guided by your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a clicky, tactile experience that provides distinct feedback with an audible sound, then the Box White V2 is an excellent option. It is particularly suitable if you work in a setting where such sounds are acceptable, and you appreciate the crispness and immediacy it brings to your typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience that minimizes noise without sacrificing feel, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is the way to go. Its medium bottom-out force offers a balanced typing sensation, making it ideal for both casual and professional use, especially in noise-sensitive environments like offices or shared spaces. In essence, choose the Kailh Box White V2 for its engaging clicky feedback and the Light Cloud V2 for its muted and refined linear feel, and you’ll have a keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
Mentioned in this article
