Kailh Box White vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box White and KTT Mallo mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately depends on your personal preference for typing experience. The Box White offers a satisfyingly loud click and a pronounced tactile feel, perfect for those who crave maximum audio feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo provides a more subtle tactile feedback that strikes a balance between responsiveness and quietness, making it a versatile choice for different typing environments. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and KTT Mallo switches are quite similar, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through. Both switches also feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound.
However, despite their similarities, there are some differences between the two switches' housing materials. The Kailh Box White's polycarbonate top housing may result in a slightly different sound profile compared to the KTT Mallo due to subtle variations in the manufacturing process. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of each switch may have a slightly different feel and sound when typing, as the composition of nylon can vary slightly between manufacturers. These differences may be subtle, but can be noticed by discerning users who pay close attention to the nuances of switch sound and feel.
In terms of overall performance, both the Kailh Box White and KTT Mallo switches offer a high-quality typing experience thanks to their top and bottom housing materials. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a satisfying sound and feel when typing, with the polycarbonate top housing providing a crisp sound profile and the nylon bottom housing contributing to a deeper, fuller sound. Whether you choose the Box White or Mallo, you can expect a reliable and tactile typing experience that caters to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Box White has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Mallo, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Mallo has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force, but the Mallo is considered medium-light in terms of bottom out force. This means that the Box White may provide a slightly more tactile typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Mallo may offer a lighter typing feel overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Mallo tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box White offers a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Mallo provides a bit more depth to each keypress with its longer travel distance, which some may find more satisfying for typing. Both switches offer their own unique feel and advantages, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched typing experience that is best likened to the crisp sound of crunching autumn leaves underfoot. This switch provides a sharp and clean auditory feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch features a more neutral and subdued sound profile, offering a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. This makes it a versatile choice for various typing environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and ensures a sleek key travel. In comparison, the KTT Mallo switch offers a feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing feel. The combination of these qualities results in a switch that is exceptionally light to press, gentle on the fingers, provides a light resistance, and offers a comfortable typing experience suitable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White is best suited for those who desire a more pronounced tactile and auditory feedback with its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, along with a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo switch caters to users looking for a more neutral and subdued sound, along with a feathery and mild typing feel that prioritizes comfort and versatility. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider your preference for auditory feedback and typing experience. If you enjoy a crisp, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile with a medium key feel and pronounced tactility, the Box White would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued, neutral sound profile with a gentle tactility and a light typing feel, the Mallo switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a louder, more tactile typing experience or a quieter, more subtle one. Choose the switch that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style for the optimal keyboarding experience.
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