Kailh Box White V2 vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Yunhai represent two distinct typing experiences, catering to different preferences and styles. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their clicky nature, providing crisp tactile feedback and a satisfying audible click with each keystroke, making them an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more engaging and interactive typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai excels in delivering a smoother and quieter operation, characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, making it ideal for typists who favor a gentle and effortless feel while they type. While both switches serve unique purposes—one for those who crave tactile and auditory feedback and the other for users seeking a seamless and streamlined experience—it's essential to dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the TTC Yunhai, the differences in their housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer nature, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This transparency allows the RGB lighting to shine through beautifully, adding an aesthetic appeal for those who prioritize illuminated keyboards. In stark contrast, the Yunhai utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer composition. The nylon's absorption of sound creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience, which is notably different from the sharpness offered by the Box White V2’s polycarbonate top.
The bottom housings of both switches share the same material, nylon, which bridges the gap between their different upper housing components. Given that both the Box White V2 and Yunhai possess nylon bottom housings, users can expect a similar depth and fullness in sound during typing, as nylon’s softer characteristics tend to absorb sound and prevent it from being overly harsh. This commonality means that whether one opts for the Kailh Box White V2 or the TTC Yunhai, the keypress experience will contain elements of that deeper sound profile benefitting from the nylon material. Therefore, regardless of the divergent top housing materials, there is a unifying element in their construction that allows for a pleasant typing experience.
Ultimately, the composite sound profile and tactile feedback one gets from each switch can be understood through the interaction of the materials used in both the top and bottom housings. The Box White V2's upper polycarbonate housing enhances the sharpness of the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom nylon housing contributes to a more rounded sound when bottoming out. The Yunhai, with its nylon top housing, delivers a consistent and smooth acoustical response, emphasizing the soft and deep characteristics of the material throughout. Thus, despite their differences, both switches provide unique yet complementary auditory experiences, suggesting that users may find satisfaction in either option based on personal preference for sound clarity versus fullness.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find notable similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh Box White V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the TTC Yunhai features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams but shares the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches bottom out at the same pressure, the Yunhai requires less force to actuate a keystroke, making it the lighter option between the two. Users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may lean toward the Yunhai, while those who desire a stronger push feel might opt for the Box White V2. Overall, the difference in actuation force gives a distinct typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for weight and feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing each switch, users can expect the same key travel distance from the top to the bottom. Consequently, you'll experience similar tactile feedback and resistance when typing or gaming, leading to a consistent overall feel in terms of key depth and performance across both switch types.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches produce a distinct, sharp click that is both satisfying and prominent. This audible feedback can enhance the typing experience, making each keystroke more engaging for users who enjoy the sound of their mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches deliver a deep, rounded sound profile that is softer and more subdued compared to the Box White V2. This makes the Yunhai a quieter option, suitable for those who may prefer a less aggressive auditory experience while typing. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound output will also be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap materials used.
When considering the feel, the Kailh Box White V2 excels in providing crisp tactile feedback that many typists find satisfying. This tactile bump, paired with the audible click, creates a dynamic typing sensation that can enhance both accuracy and typing speed. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches are characterized by their incredibly light actuation force, which results in a smoother and more fluid typing experience. These switches are designed for effortless keystrokes, catering to users who prioritize a gentle touch over pronounced tactile feedback. Thus, the feel of each switch caters to different preferences, with the Box White V2 offering a more tactile and engaging experience, while the Yunhai focuses on ease of use.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box White V2 and TTC Yunhai switches provide distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel, catering to varying user preferences. The Box White V2 is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced click and tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying. Conversely, the Yunhai switches offer a quieter and more effortless typing feel, suited for users who appreciate a smoother experience with less auditory interruption. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, but both options will deliver a quality typing experience tailored to different styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you thrive on tactile feedback and the satisfying auditory response of a click, the Kailh Box White V2 is the ideal choice for you. It caters to those who enjoy the classic typing sensation, making it perfect for typing and coding tasks where distinct keystrokes can enhance focus and confidence. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quieter typing experience with an effortless actuation, the TTC Yunhai switch is the way to go. Its unique deep sound profile and gentle feel suit those who favor a more streamlined approach, whether you're gaming or engaged in prolonged typing sessions without the distraction of clicking sounds. In summary, your decision should revolve around the atmosphere you want to create and the tangible feedback you seek from each keystroke.
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