Kailh Box White V2 vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Silent Brown. The Kailh Box White V2 stands out with its distinctive clicky feedback, providing a crisp tactile response and an audible click that many typists find satisfying and invigorating, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke while typing or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches focus on delivering a comfortable tactile experience without the noise, featuring a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump that is both satisfying and unobtrusive. Perfect for quiet environments, the Silent Brown is particularly appealing to users who want the tactile feedback without disturbing their surroundings. While both switches have their unique advantages—one emphasizing auditory feedback and the other prioritizing a muted sound profile—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Silent Brown keyboards both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness contributes to the higher-pitched and crisper sound that typists often appreciate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts, allowing the colors to shine through effectively. This commonality in top housing material suggests that when using either switch, users can expect an engaging auditory experience, making both switches suitable for vibrant lighting setups.
In contrast, both the Box White V2 and Silent Brown switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, highlighting a shift in sound and feel dynamics. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile during typing. This characteristic is particularly noticeable at bottom-out, where the softer nylon cushions the impact and alters the feedback received by the user. Consequently, while both switches can deliver an overall satisfying typing experience, the nylon material in the bottom housing leads to a more muted auditory response compared to the snappy sound produced by the polycarbonate in the top housing.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings in each switch shapes the overall typing experience, although the housing materials are consistent yet optimized differently. With the Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Silent Brown, users can expect a unique balance between the clean, crisp sound from the polycarbonate top and the richness that comes from the nylon base. This synergy means that both switches will produce distinct qualities as you type, yet will ultimately provide similar results when it comes to the overall sound profile. The nuanced differences make each switch appealing based on individual preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired auditory characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, allowing for a similar typing experience in terms of keystroke initiation. However, their bottom out forces diverge significantly; the Kailh Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the TTC Silent Brown is heavier at 63.5 grams. This differential results in the Kailh Box White V2 feeling lighter overall and may appeal to typists looking for a switch that allows for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. Conversely, the TTC Silent Brown, with its heavier bottom out force, may cater to users who prefer a more substantial feel when bottoming out, providing a tactile response that many find satisfying. In summary, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Kailh Box White V2 is lighter overall, making it a better choice for prolonged use, whereas the TTC Silent Brown offers a more robust bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Box White V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box White V2 may be more appealing, particularly for gamers who favor quicker response times. Conversely, the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feedback, which some users may find preferable for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches reflects personal preference: opt for the Kailh Box White V2 if you desire a snappier feel, or the TTC Silent Brown if you appreciate a little more depth in your typing experience.
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 Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 of the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Silent Brown, it's clear that they serve different auditory experiences. The Box White V2 is known for its crisp tactile feedback accompanied by an audible clicking sound that provides an engaging acoustic signature, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the nostalgic click of mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Silent Brown is designed to minimize noise and features a muted sound profile that produces a softer mechanical sound. This makes it ideal for environments where quiet operation is paramount, allowing for a comfortable typing experience without disturbing others nearby.
Regarding feel, the Box White V2 offers a distinct tactile sensation with a noticeable bump and a defined click, allowing typists to easily discern each keystroke. This makes it enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback mechanism in their typing. On the other hand, the Silent Brown provides a buttery, polished typing experience that emphasizes smooth key travel and a gentle tactile feel. With its light to medium resistance, the Silent Brown is approachable for many users, offering a pleasant balance between tactile feedback and ease of use, further enhancing the typing experience with its mild characteristics.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Silent Brown switches offer unique qualities suited to different preferences. The Box White V2 is perfect for those who crave a loud and clicky feedback, while the Silent Brown caters to users preferring a quieter, smooth, and tactful response. Depending on your desired auditory and tactile experience, you can choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style, ensuring enjoyment with each keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy an engaging typing experience characterized by audible feedback, the Box White V2 is an excellent option for you. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it suitable for rapid typing and can enhance gaming performance, while the pronounced click sound adds a satisfying auditory element. This switch is especially ideal if you're in a setting where sound isn't a major concern, or if you appreciate the distinct feedback while you type. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter and more restrained typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a sturdier resistance that can enhance the feeling of control during typing. The muted sound profile ensures you won't disturb others in shared spaces, making it an excellent choice for office or study environments. The buttery, polished feel of the Silent Brown also promotes a smooth and comfortable typing experience, perfect for extended periods of use without fatigue. In short, consider the Box White V2 for an expressive and tactile typing experience, and the Silent Brown for a quieter, more polished approach.
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