Kailh Box White vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and KTT Miaowu offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Box White is a clicky switch that provides maximum audio feedback, with a crunch reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves and a pronounced tactility. On the other hand, the Miaowu is a linear switch known for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to the utilization of POK in its stem. While the Box White is resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished, the Miaowu is bouncy and clacky. If you prefer a clicky switch with a tactile feel, the Box White may be the way to go. However, if you value a smoother keystroke and enhanced stability, the Miaowu could be the better choice. 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
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and KTT Miaowu switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while they share the same top housing material, they may differ in the overall aesthetic design of the switch itself.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Box White and Miaowu switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound. The difference in bottom housing material may result in a variation in the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing on that switch. The split between the top and bottom housings may provide a more nuanced typing experience, with each material contributing its unique qualities to the overall sound profile. Whether it be the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the top housing or the deeper tone of nylon in the bottom housing, each material brings its own characteristics to the switch, ultimately shaping the user experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is evident that the Box White has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Miaowu's lighter 43 grams. Similarly, the Box White has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Miaowu requires 50 grams to bottom out. This makes the Box White a more substantial typing experience while the Miaowu provides a lighter touch. For those who prefer a heavier push feel, the Box White would be the preferred choice, while the Miaowu would be more suitable for individuals looking for a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the KTT Miaowu linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users seeking quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer these shorter travel distances for faster reactions. The Box White clicky switch's slightly longer travel distance may provide a slightly more pronounced keypress feel compared to the Miaowu linear switch, which has a shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference for the feel of the keypress - a shorter travel distance for quicker responses or a slightly longer travel distance for a more defined keypress sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 typing experience, with a crunchy tactile feedback reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive. Depending on personal preference, the Box White switch may be preferred for those who enjoy a more immersive auditory experience with a cleaner and sharper sound profile, while the Miaowu switch may appeal to those who prefer a crisper and brighter sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as providing a polished typing experience with smooth and refined key travel, resulting in reduced friction. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu switch offers a bouncy sensation with spring-like feedback, giving the keys a lively rebound when pressed. Depending on individual typing preferences, the Box White switch may be favored for its sleek and smooth key travel, while the Miaowu switch may be preferred for its lively and elastic feedback.
Overall, choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, with the Box White switch providing a more tactile and resonant typing experience, and the Miaowu switch offering a snappy and bouncy feel. Experimenting with both switches on various keyboards and keycap combinations will allow users to determine which switch best suits their individual typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers maximum audio feedback with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Box White switch delivers a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch sound with a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and smoother keystroke action with enhanced stem stability, the KTT Miaowu linear switch would be more suitable for you. The Miaowu switch provides a clacky sound with bouncy feel, making typing a comfortable and responsive experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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