Kailh Box White V2 vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference, as different switches can dramatically affect the typing experience. On one hand, the Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky nature, offering particularly crisp tactile feedback and a satisfying audible click with each keystroke, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches provide a contrasting experience; characterized as linear, they deliver a smooth, buttery feel with a medium-heavy actuation force that facilitates effortless typing. The KTT Pine's polished, factory-lubed finish not only enhances its smooth key travel but also reduces friction, appealing to users who prioritize a more fluid and quiet typing experience. While the Box White V2 might be ideal for typists seeking tactile feedback and auditory cues, the KTT Pine is perfect for those who prefer softness and minimal resistance. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Pine switches share similarities in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This relatively stiff plastic allows for a clearer resonance, making both switches ideal for users who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback during typing. The translucency of the polycarbonate in both housings also enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly for those who favor RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through vividly. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a comparable bright and clear sound quality due to the polycarbonate material chosen for the top housing.
However, the bottom housings of the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Pine differ, which affects the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Kailh Box White V2 features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer properties that absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which shares the sharper sound characteristics of its top housing. As a result, while the Kailh Box White V2 produces a rounder sound due to its nylon bottom, the KTT Pine maintains a consistently crisp sound profile throughout. This divergence indicates that the tactile feedback and auditory experience vary significantly between the two switches during key presses and releases.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch yields distinct auditory experiences. While both switches deliver crispness in sound thanks to their polycarbonate top housings, the Kailh Box White V2's nylon bottom housing rounds out the auditory feedback and deepens the key press experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine aligns more closely in sound quality from top to bottom, resulting in a sharper profile across its entire syntax. Therefore, enthusiasts selecting between these two will need to weigh their preference for warmth and depth against a consistent sharpness to find the switch that best suits their typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer distinct differences in their bottom out forces, while their actuation forces are quite similar. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a lighter feel, making them suitable for those who prefer to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force of the Box White V2 is 50 grams, which is noticeably lighter than the KTT Pine's 58 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to actuate, the KTT Pine offers a heavier bottom out feel, resulting in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, if you're after a lighter and more agile typing experience, the Kailh Box White V2 may be the better choice, while the KTT Pine will cater to those who appreciate a firmer bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different user preferences. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Pine switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference makes the Box White V2 the shorter option, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times during gameplay. On the other hand, the Pine switch, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper keypress. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Box White V2 may be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes might gravitate towards the KTT Pine.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 audio profile of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch offers a distinct and sharp sound characterized by a pronounced click, providing not only tactile feedback but also an audible confirmation with each keystroke. This ensures an engaging typing experience favored by many who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch produces a deeper and more resonant tone described as bassy and low-pitched. This creates a softer auditory experience during typing that lacks the sharpness of the Box White V2 but provides a warm, rich sound that many find pleasurable. Ultimately, the sound from each switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, leading to unique results for each individual setup.
When considering the feel, the Box White V2 delivers a discernible tactile response, allowing typists to experience a definitive bump during actuation that can enhance their typing precision. However, the KTT Pine switch is designed to provide a notably smooth and buttery experience, characterized by a creamy sensation that promotes effortless keystrokes. This ease of movement is attributed to its polished and factory-lubed finish, offering a dramatic contrast to the firm feedback of the Box White V2. While both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, the Box White V2 is better suited for those who appreciate tactile cues, whereas the KTT Pine is ideal for users seeking a more fluid typing motion.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Pine switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Box White V2 stands out for its crisp click and tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy auditory and physical confirmation of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Pine offers a smooth and rich typing experience that excels in comfort and ease of use. Depending on what aspects matter most to you, either switch may serve your needs well—whether you prefer the pronounced click of the Box White V2 or the softness of the KTT Pine. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the desired experience in typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback experience with a satisfying audible click that signals each key press, then the Box White V2 would be ideal for you, especially if you prefer a lighter touch with its 50-gram actuation force. This switch is perfect for typists who thrive on feedback, making it a great option for those who value accuracy and a lively typing sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, where keystrokes flow effortlessly without the distraction of clicking, the KTT Pine with its medium-heavy 58-gram actuation force would serve you well. This switch offers a buttery and creamy feel, thanks to its polished, factory-lubed design, making it well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming where smooth key travel is advantageous. In summary, choose the Box White V2 for its clicky, tactile delight, or the KTT Pine for a smooth, basy experience that lessens typing fatigue.
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