Kailh Box White vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the KTT Pine. If you are someone who craves maximum audio feedback, the clicky Kailh Box White switch is the perfect choice for you. With its distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility when typing, you are bound to have an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch might be more appealing to you. These forest green switches are medium-heavy and offer a buttery smooth feel, creating a satisfying typing sensation. The polished, factory-lubed finish of the Pine switches also reduces friction for a seamless key travel. However, let's dig a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the KTT Pine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which means they share similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer a visually appealing and acoustically enhanced experience.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing. The Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Pine uses polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that typing on the Box White switch will elicit a rounder and duller sound compared to the Pine switch. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, so the use of nylon in the Box White contributes to a unique typing experience.
In summary, the Kailh Box White and the KTT Pine share the advantage of having polycarbonate top housings, which enhance the sound profile and work well with RGB lighting. However, their differing bottom housings create distinct differences in the sound and feel of the switches. The Box White's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, allowing users to choose based on their sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box White has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, while the Pine requires a slightly lighter force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Box White is heavier with 60 grams compared to the Pine's 58 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force range, providing a balance between lightness and strength. If you prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Pine may be a better choice. However, if you enjoy a slightly stronger and more substantial typing experience, the Box White would be a suitable option. Regardless of the differences in force, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers, who value faster response times, may find the shorter travel distance of the Box White switch more appealing. The 3.6 mm travel distance allows for quicker presses and potentially better performance in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Pine switch more suitable. The extra depth allows for a more pronounced feel when typing, which some individuals may find more enjoyable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in regards to responsiveness and sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy characteristics. Typing on these switches will give you a clean and sharp sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This switch offers a deeper and richer tone during key presses, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The switch has a sleek finish, either due to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is often referred to as buttery and creamy. This indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, where typing feels effortless and uniform. The switches provide a seamless sensation, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease, as each keystroke effortlessly melts into the next.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box White provides a satisfying, crunchy sound that gives a heightened sense of audio feedback. Its polished feel ensures smooth and refined typing. On the other hand, the Pine switch delivers a deeper and richer sound profile, complemented by a buttery and creamy feel for a seamless typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches, as both offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. If you prefer the sound and feel of the Box White but desire a linear switch, you may achieve similar results by using dampeners or o-rings to replicate a softer and quieter feedback.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for maximum audio feedback and a pronounced tactile feel, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the ideal choice. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a satisfying crunch and accented tactility that resembles stepping on autumn leaves. The Box White switch is well-suited for those who prefer a higher-pitched and clean sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch would be more suitable. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, these medium-heavy switches offer a buttery smooth feel, thanks to their polished, factory-lubed finish. The Pine switch delivers a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a bassy and mellow sound during key presses.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch depends on your preferences for audio feedback and typing experience. Consider whether you value pronounced tactility and higher-pitched sound with the Box White, or a smooth and uniform typing sensation with a bassy sound profile using the Pine. Assessing these factors will help you determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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