Kailh Box White vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the KTT Lightning. If you crave maximum audio feedback and a distinctive typing experience, the clicky Box White switch is the one for you. Known for its resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished feel, typing on these switches resembles stepping on autumn leaves, providing a satisfying tactile sensation. On the other hand, if speed and precision are paramount to your typing needs, the KTT Lightnings are the ideal choice. Designed as "speed" switches, they offer a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, making them perfect for situations where milliseconds can determine success or failure. Categorized as clacky, high-pitched, chirpy, subtle, and polished, the Lightning switches provide quick and accurate keystrokes. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific preferences.
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
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the KTT Lightning share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. This means that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from both the Kailh Box White and the KTT Lightning when it comes to their top housing.
However, the differences arise when it comes to the bottom housing material. While the Box White incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, the Lightning also adopts the use of nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, the typing experience on both switches will elicit a similar duller and rounder sound, as the softer nylon material is utilized in the bottom housing for both the Box White and the Lightning.
It is also important to note that the impact on sound and feel differs depending on which housing material is utilized. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the KTT Lightning may differ for the top and bottom, they ultimately contribute to a comparable typing experience with slight variations in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a medium level of resistance to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Lightning switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, which allows for a slightly easier and faster keystroke activation.
When it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams of force to fully press the key down, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning switch has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing feel.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Lightning switch more suitable. It allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Alternatively, individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile push feel may opt for the Box White switch, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a satisfying typing experience.
In summary, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the KTT Lightning linear switch. However, both switches offer their own unique benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their travel distance. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Box White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning.
The Box White's 3.6 mm travel distance is closer to the traditional 4.0 mm range, providing a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Lightning's shorter travel distance of 3 mm caters to those who prefer a shallower and faster key response. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances as it allows for quicker movement and faster response times.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prioritize a more responsive keyboard with a shorter travel distance, then the Lightning switch would be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial typing experience, the Box White's slightly longer travel distance would be more suitable. Both switches have their advantages and it is important to consider your own typing preferences before making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, whereas the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41.
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 switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a clean and sharp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. Typing on these switches produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Lightning switch has a unique chirpy sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. While both switches have a high-pitched sound profile, the Box White switch offers a more immersive auditory experience with its crunchy sound, while the Lightning switch has a slightly different tone with its clacky and chirpy sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of these switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch is described as subtle and polished. It offers a gentle resistance while still maintaining a light typing feel. The smooth and refined finish of the switch enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. Both switches offer a polished feel, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box White switch is best known for its maximum audio feedback and crunchy sound profile, along with its polished and smooth feel. It provides an immersive auditory experience with its resonant and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch is known for its approachable "speed" switches, perfect for scenarios where milliseconds can make a difference. It offers a clacky sound profile with a slick type feel. Both switches have a high-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, making them suitable for those who prefer a sharp and crisp typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys 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 crunch similar to stepping on autumn leaves when typing on them. These switches have a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. Furthermore, the Box White switches offer a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and need a switch that can make a crucial difference in milliseconds, the KTT Lightning linear switch would be the better option. With a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile. The Lightning switches are known for their approachable "speed" capabilities and are perfect for situations where split-second decisions can determine the outcome. They have a clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy sound profile that sets them apart. Additionally, like the Box White, the Lightning switches also provide a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch boils down to your personal preference and typing needs. Depending on whether you value maximum audio feedback and tactile typing or prioritize speed and responsiveness, you can make an informed choice that suits your requirements.
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