Kailh Box White vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, there are a variety of factors to consider to ensure the perfect typing experience. The Kailh Box White switch is a clicky switch that is characterized by its resonant, high-pitched sound and crunchy feel. Ideal for those who crave maximum audio feedback, typing on the Box White switch provides a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" sensation with each keypress. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch offers a contrasting typing experience as a tactile switch. Known for its subtle and nuanced feedback, the Gold Brown Pro features a gentle tactile bump that allows for a background presence during typing without being overly distracting. With its low-pitched and silky keystrokes, this switch is perfect for those who value understated tactile experiences and minimal distractions. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and TTC Gold Brown Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is also beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the illumination to shine through. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound when typing.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the Kailh Box White and TTC Gold Brown Pro offer slight differences in their overall sound profile. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities in the housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch. Despite these nuances, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying sound profile that caters to different preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housings of the Kailh Box White and TTC Gold Brown Pro offer a visually appealing look that is commonly associated with polycarbonate housing materials. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall appearance of the switches. Additionally, the classic nylon bottom housings add a level of durability and sound absorption to both switches, contributing to a well-rounded typing experience. Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box White and TTC Gold Brown Pro will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is slightly heavier at 50 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Box White is also higher at 60 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown. The Box White provides a more tactile and clicky typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, perfect for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a lighter actuation force, which may be more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where lighter key presses are preferred. 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, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box White. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Box White being on the shorter end and the Gold Brown Pro being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 offers a resonant and high-pitched experience with a crunchy sound profile reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback that is crisp and sharp. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is neutral and subdued. This switch caters to individuals who prefer a more mellow and bass-heavy tone, allowing for a quieter typing experience that is less distracting. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box White being more resonant and high-pitched while the Gold Brown Pro is thocky and low-pitched.
In terms of feel, both the Kailh Box White and TTC Gold Brown Pro switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Additionally, the Gold Brown Pro switch is also described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The mild and subtle feel of the Gold Brown Pro makes it approachable to most typists, while the stepped design of the switch offers a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. The Kailh Box White switch, on the other hand, offers a more accented tactility that is polished and refined for a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile with a crunchy feel, perfect for those who desire maximum audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a polished and silky feel, ideal for those who seek subtle, nuanced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, with the Box White delivering a more pronounced auditory experience and the Gold Brown Pro providing a quieter and more understated typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy maximum auditory feedback with a medium bottom out force and a high-pitched, crunchy sound profile, the Box White is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a subtle, nuanced feedback with gentle tactility and a subdued, thocky sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro is the perfect switch to keep you immersed in your tasks without distractions. Ultimately, your preference for a more pronounced clicky experience with the Box White or a softer tactile feel with the Gold Brown Pro will guide your decision in choosing the mechanical keyboard switch that best suits your typing style.
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