Kailh Box White vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the TTC Gold Red, a linear switch. The Box White is known for providing maximum audio feedback, with a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a pronounced tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches add a modest touch of personality to your keyboard with their snappy sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the TTC Gold Red have similar housing materials in terms of their top housing, both being made of polycarbonate. This material choice is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from both the Kailh Box White and the TTC Gold Red switches when it comes to their top housing.
However, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. While the Kailh Box White uses a nylon bottom housing, the TTC Gold Red also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Kailh Box White and the TTC Gold Red will provide different sound experiences during the bottom-out sound and feel due to the disparity in their bottom housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the TTC Gold Red will depend on the user's preference for sound. If they prioritize a sharper and crisper sound, both switches will deliver similar results due to their shared polycarbonate top housing. However, if a user seeks a deeper and fuller sound profile, they may lean towards the Kailh Box White with its nylon bottom housing. Regardless of the choice, both switches will offer unique auditory experiences due to the different materials used in their housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box White switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, whereas the Gold Red switch requires a lighter force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Box White switch is again slightly heavier with 60 grams, while the Gold Red switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams.
The Box White switch offers a medium level of resistance, providing users with a substantial typing experience without being too heavy. This can be ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel on their keyboard. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch and value the ability to type for longer periods of time, such as for work or extended gaming sessions.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches may differ, it is important to note that both switches offer comparable results in terms of typing experience. Individuals who prefer lighter switches and do not require a substantial push feel can achieve similar results with either the Box White or the Gold Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Gold Red switch is slightly longer than the Box White switch. The Gold Red switch falls into the traditional range of 4.0 mm, while the Box White switch is on the slightly shallower side at 3.6 mm. Gamers in particular often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Box White switch a popular choice for those looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key travel and deeper typing experience may find the Gold Red switch appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced key action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 stands out with its resonant and high-pitched sound profile. Typing on these switches provides an immersive auditory experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This particular sound profile is clean, sharp, and perfect for those who appreciate maximum audio feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a more modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. Its sound profile is described as thocky, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. This switch has a lower pitch compared to the Box White, and it adds a subtle but enjoyable element to your typing experience. While both switches offer unique sound qualities, those looking for a higher-pitched and crunchy sound should opt for the Box White, while the Gold Red provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is known for its polished feel. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel make it a pleasure to type on. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a range of qualities in its feel. It is described as mild, silky, and subtle. This means that it offers a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The overall smoothness of the typing feel is enhanced, making it a comfortable option for most users. Additionally, like the Box White, the Gold Red also features a polished switch surface, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Box White provides a polished and refined typing experience, the Gold Red offers a mild, silky, and subtle feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White produces a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, accompanied by a polished and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red offers a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, with a mild, silky, and subtle feel, also incorporating a polished and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference. If you desire maximum audio feedback and a satisfying crunch, along with a polished feel, the Box White is the ideal choice. If you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a touch of personality in a low-pitched thocky sound profile and versatile feel, the Gold Red switch will be the better option. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide unique qualities that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a pronounced tactile bump when typing on these switches. The resonant and high-pitched sound profile adds to the immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a gentle, silky feel and a thocky low-pitched sound profile. The Gold Red switches strike a balance between resistance and smoothness, making them approachable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for feedback, sound, and feel.
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