Kailh Box White V2 vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Purple Click stand out as popular clicky options, each offering a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and robust audible click, making it an excellent choice for typists who thrive on clearly defined keystrokes and enjoy an attention-grabbing sound. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, is recognized for its fairly high-pitched and satisfying click, delivering a light keystroke that balances pronounced tactility with a more subtle auditory experience. While both switches provide the engaging click characteristic of clicky switches, the Kailh Box White V2 may appeal more to users who prefer a stronger tactile bump, while the KTT Purple Click offers a slightly softer touch with a delightful resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Purple Click, it becomes apparent that both switches utilize similar materials, which results in comparable auditory characteristics. Both switches employ polycarbonate for the top housing, a choice that leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its resonant sound qualities, making it ideal for users looking for a clearer acoustic experience. Additionally, the use of a translucent polycarbonate top housing enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as the light effectively shines through, providing an eye-catching visual effect. This shared material allows both switches to produce similar sound signatures during operation, delivering a bright auditory feedback that many users find appealing.
Conversely, the bottom housing materials diverge from the similarities found in the top housing. Both the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Purple Click utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which contrasts with the characteristics of polycarbonate. Nylon's softer composition leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that dampens vibrations and reduces harshness during typing. While the top housing's polycarbonate contributes to the overall clarity of the sound, the nylon bottom housing's properties absorb and mellow the sound, resulting in a balanced auditory experience. Simultaneously, this combination of nylon and polycarbonate lends a unique sound dynamic to each switch, allowing users to enjoy a mix of sharpness on key release and a rounded, fuller bottom-out sound.
Overall, while both the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Purple Click share a polycarbonate top housing, their nylon bottom housings create a differentiation in sound profiles. Users can expect a consistent auditory experience when actuating the keys due to the lightweight and crisp qualities of the polycarbonate top, combined with the rich and rounded sounds produced by the nylon bottom. This combination strikes a balance, providing a comprehensive and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the synergy of these materials allows both switches to stand out while offering unique yet comparable auditory elements, making each an appealing option for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Purple Click switches, we observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This suggests that while the KTT Purple Click requires less force to actuate a keystroke, it offers a firmer resistance as you press down, potentially providing a more substantial feel during use. As such, users who favor lighter switches may prefer the KTT for initial actuation but could find the heavier bottom out force less comfortable. Overall, if you want a lighter switching experience, the Purple Click is the choice, while the heavier bottom out of the KTT provides a firmer tactile feedback compared to the Box White V2.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Click switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Box White V2 the shorter option, which may appeal to users seeking a quicker response time for gaming or fast typing. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click, with its more traditional 4 mm travel distance, provides a deeper, more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Therefore, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Box White V2 could be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a fuller keypress may find the longer travel of the KTT Purple Click to be more suitable.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 of the Kailh Box White V2 switch is characterized by a crisp, audible click that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, which many typists appreciate for its clarity. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click produces a high-pitched, crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on dry leaves in autumn, creating an engaging auditory experience. The Purple Click is noted for its resonant and sharp sound profile, which may appeal more to those who enjoy a lively typing soundtrack. While both switches are clicky, their distinct sound signatures differ slightly, giving users varied auditory experiences but with a common theme of providing clear and noticeable click sounds.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers tactile feedback that feels crisp and defined, allowing typists to recognize actuation with certainty. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click is described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback that feels both snappy and reactive. It employs a stepped tactile design, giving it an appeal that feels more nuanced with its mild pre-travel and post-travel sensations. This combination creates a unique typing experience that balances light keystrokes with substantial tactility, offering a different kind of feedback compared to the Box White V2's straightforward tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Purple Click switches provide enjoyable experiences for users who prefer clicky switches, but they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Box White V2 excels with its crisp and clear click sound along with a well-defined tactile feel, while the KTT Purple Click impresses with its crunchy, resonant sound and an invigorating, stepped tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference regarding sound character and tactile sensation, as they both promise engaging typing experiences within the clicky switch category.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Purple Click switches boils down to your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as well as the typing experience you seek. If you favor a lighter bottom-out force and are looking for a switch that provides crisp, tactile feedback along with a prominent audible click, the Box White V2 could be your ideal choice. Its lighter actuation can be great for extended typing sessions or if you primarily use your keyboard for repetitive tasks, allowing for less finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly firmer keystroke and a more resonant, crunchy sound with a satisfying auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, you might find the KTT Purple Click to be more invigorating. The Purple Click strikes a balance between tactile feedback and clickiness, making it suitable for a typing experience that is both enjoyable and engaging, particularly if you prefer a switch that retains a bit more weight in your keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences, so considering what aspects resonate with you most will guide you in selecting the right switch for your needs.
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