Kailh Box White vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and TTC Brother switches both offer unique features that cater to specific preferences. The Kailh Box White switch is beloved for its maximum audio feedback, delivering a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a pronounced tactile feel. On the other hand, the TTC Brother switch stands out with its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a breezy typing experience without feeling burdensome. Both switches offer a crunchy sound signature that will please clicky switch enthusiasts, but the Brother switch's tactile bump strikes a perfect balance between feedback and subtlety. 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box White and the TTC Brother switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Box White and Brother switches differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Box White utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Brother switch also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile that is characteristic of this classic switch housing material.
Overall, while the Kailh Box White and TTC Brother switches may vary in their bottom housing materials, they both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles. The combination of polycarbonate top housings for sharp and clear sound, along with nylon bottom housings for deeper and fuller sound, ensures that both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile from the polycarbonate top housing or a deeper sound profile from the nylon bottom housing, both switches have something unique to offer to keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Box White has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Brother's lighter 37 grams. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which can affect the overall feel of typing on the keyboard. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Brother switch may be the preferred choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Box White switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force, suitable for those who like a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the TTC Brother clicky switch's 3.5 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times. However, the Box White offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Brother, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial key press. In terms of travel distance, the Box White is the longer of the two, while the Brother is slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 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 clicky switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive and sharp auditory experience that appeals to those who enjoy a clean and crisp sound. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch is described as having a crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory feedback, with the Box White having a potentially higher-pitched sound compared to the Brother.
In terms of feel, the Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and provides a sleek key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Brother switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a comfortable, low-impact typing feel. Additionally, the Brother switch is noted to have a stepped tactile feel, providing a more subtle feedback compared to the potentially more pronounced tactility of the Box White.
Overall, both the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Box White provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a polished typing experience, while the Brother offers a crunchy sound signature and an easy-to-press, stepped tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Additionally, both switches are clicky switches, so users can expect similar results in terms of the audible click feedback they provide.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value maximum audio feedback with a medium bottom out force and a resonant, high-pitched sound profile, the Box White switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a satisfyingly crunchy sound, and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, the TTC Brother switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the tactile feel or the audible feedback of the switch. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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