Kailh Box White V2 vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Kailh Box White V2 and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are renowned for their clicky nature, providing users with crisp tactile feedback and an audible click that many find satisfying—making them ideal for typists who relish the sound and feel of each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches exemplify the linear switch category, offering a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to their progressive spring and innovative dry-lube design. This makes them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter, more fluid keystroke without the distraction of clicking noise. While the Box White V2 appeals to those seeking feedback and auditory satisfaction, the Sea Salt Lemon caters to users who prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches share notable similarities in their housing materials, specifically in their top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clearer and more resonant audio experience when the switches are actuated. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal when paired with RGB lighting, making both switches suitable choices for those looking to showcase their lighting setups. This shared material composition in the top housing means users can expect similar sound qualities during the key-release phase and visually appealing designs for illuminated keyboards.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches employ nylon, a classic material that contributes to a distinct sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper, fuller audio experience when typing. This characteristic of nylon leads to a more subdued and rounded bottom-out sound and feel, making both switches appealing for users who prefer a softer acoustic profile during their typing sessions. The sway towards a softer sound in both models means that while the top housing creates a sharp release note, the bottom housing ensures an equally rich, full-bodied experience when the switch is fully depressed.
In summary, while the Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches feature different bottom housing materials, they harmonize well together through their overlapping use of polycarbonate and nylon. The polycarbonate top housing creates a bright and vibrant sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a deeper acoustic experience upon key press. As a result, users can anticipate a similarly nuanced sound profile from both switches, characterized by a balance between crisp high notes and rich low tones. Through their thoughtful material selection, both switches provide an engaging auditory experience that complements a wide range of typing and gaming preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience similar responsiveness when pressing the keys. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White V2 has a slightly lower measurement of 50 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams, making the latter a tad heavier. This difference signifies that while both switches offer a light actuation feel ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a marginally more substantial push when bottoming out. Therefore, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option overall, appealing to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon caters to those who enjoy a stronger keystroke feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Box White V2 has a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quick responsiveness in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon's longer travel distance could provide a more traditional and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper press and a more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences: if you value speed and responsiveness, the Kailh Box White V2 may be the better option, while if you prefer a more substantial feel, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon would likely be more satisfying.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 is celebrated for its distinct click, which produces a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying during typing. This clicky sound is not only noticeable but also marks the actuation point effectively, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory confirmation with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches present a more subdued sonic profile. These switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound, creating a bass-heavy tone that feels mellow in comparison. Their neutral sound quality makes them versatile for various environments, making them suitable whether used at home or in a workplace setting. Overall, while the Box White V2 offers an engaging clicky noise, the Sea Salt Lemon caters to users preferring a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a tactile experience defined by its click mechanism, delivering a clear feedback sensation every time a key is pressed. This tactile feedback can lead to greater typing accuracy and satisfaction, particularly for typists who appreciate distinct tactile bumps. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as mild, offering a gentler typing experience. This allows them to feel approachable for nearly all users, making their transition between key presses smoother and less jarring. The buttery smoothness of the Sea Salt Lemon aids in a more fluid typing experience, contrasting the pronounced tactile nature of the Box White V2. While both switches offer unique tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences regarding feedback intensity.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical switch that offers bright, audible clicks and strong tactile feedback, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its sound and feel are particularly engaging for those who value a pronounced typing experience. Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing environment, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a compelling option with its mild characteristics and low-pitched sound. While they present different auditory and tactile experiences, both switches fulfill unique preferences and can lead to satisfying typing sessions, depending on what qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy auditory feedback and a tactile sensation while typing, the Box White V2 is the way to go. Its lighter 50-gram actuation force makes it a fun and engaging option, perfect for gaming or those who appreciate the satisfying click sound that can add personality to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more subdued typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a well-rounded alternative. With its medium-light 53-gram actuation force and buttery smooth action due to the progressive spring and dry-lube design, it excels in everyday use, whether you're typing at home or in a quieter office environment. The low-pitched and neutral sound profile of the Sea Salt Lemon makes it versatile enough for most scenarios, especially if you appreciate a mild typing feel that won’t be too jarring. Ultimately, consider where and how you’ll be using your keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.
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