Kailh Box White vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the TTC Flaming Purple offer distinct experiences for users. The Box White is a clicky switch, perfect for those who enjoy maximum audio feedback while typing. With a crunchy and polished feel, it provides a satisfying tactile experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple is a linear switch that stands out for its resonant character and slightly bassier sound signature. With a feathery feel and easy-to-press keys, it ensures swift and effortless typing for both enthusiasts and daily typists. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box White and TTC Flaming Purple feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the switch. Despite having the same top housing material, the two switches may have variations in sound due to other factors such as the stem and spring used.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing helps to create a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This combination of materials in the housing of the switches contributes to a unique typing experience for each switch.
Overall, the different housing materials used in the Kailh Box White and TTC Flaming Purple switches play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on each switch. While both switches have a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the nylon bottom housing of each switch creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. These contrasting housing materials work together to provide a balanced typing experience, with each material contributing its unique characteristics to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that the Box White is the heavier option. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it the lighter of the two. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Flaming Purple, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out, allowing for a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Box White provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, weight is an important factor to consider when selecting a switch, as it can greatly impact the comfort and efficiency of your typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will get a similar feeling in terms of travel distance. The travel distance of both switches is relatively standard compared to other mechanical switches on the market. Therefore, there is no difference in the travel distance between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, as they both offer the same 3.6 mm distance for users to experience while typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
The Kailh Box White clicky switch is best known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This switch offers a clean and sharp sound that appeals to those who enjoy a clicky typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its bassier, low-pitched, and resonant sound signature. With a touch of a poppy undertone, this switch adds an engaging flair to every keystroke, making for an enjoyable auditory experience. The sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined keypress experience. This polished finish contributes to a sleek typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is characterized as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers. The light actuation force of 47g allows for swift and effortless typing, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box White provides a more resonant and high-pitched clicky sound with a polished feel, the Flaming Purple delivers a bassier and low-pitched linear sound with a feathery and silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for sound profile, keypress feel, and typing comfort. Whether opting for the clicky feedback of the Box White or the smooth linear action of the Flaming Purple, users can expect satisfying keystrokes tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more resonant and high-pitched typing experience with a crunchy sound profile, the Box White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassier and low-pitched sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, the Flaming Purple switch could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the auditory and tactile feedback that resonates with you the most.