Kailh Box White vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to consider. Two popular switches that stand out are the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the KTT Purple Star, a linear switch. The Box White is favored for its maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying "crunch" with each key press, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light bottom-out force, perfect for those who prefer a quieter and easier-to-press switch. While the Box White is known for its high-pitched and crunchy feel, the Purple Star is characterized by its low-pitched and mild tactility. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the KTT Purple Star, one noticeable difference is in the top housing material. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star has a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound, giving it a unique and pleasing audio profile. While both materials offer their own distinct sound qualities, users may prefer one over the other based on their sound preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Box White and Purple Star switches have differences in their construction. The Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star features a POM bottom housing, which again produces a deep and muted sound profile similar to its top housing. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience and sound quality of each switch, adding another layer of complexity to the comparison between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box White and KTT Purple Star switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Box White offers a sharper and crisper typing experience with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Purple Star delivers a more unique and pleasing sound with its POM top and bottom housings. Both switches provide different sound characteristics based on their housing materials, giving users a variety of options to choose from depending on their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that the Box White requires a heavier touch compared to the Purple Star. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Box White provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push. On the other hand, the Purple Star offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for those who desire a lighter keypress for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Despite the difference in weight, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences, with the Box White giving a medium resistance and the Purple Star offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the KTT Purple Star linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer these switches for their fast actuation. However, the marginal difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, and both switches offer a similar overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the feel and sound of the switch mechanism.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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, with a crisp and clean sound profile that is reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a low-pitched and mellow tone, perfect for those who prefer a more bass-heavy sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the KTT Purple Star switch is characterized by its mild and easy-to-press nature, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. These qualities make the Purple Star switches approachable to most users and enhance the overall typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel.
Overall, when comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that they offer unique qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Box White switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Purple Star switch caters to individuals looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience with a lower-pitched sound. Depending on personal preference and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfactory and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a satisfying clicky feedback with a medium bottom-out force and a resonant, high-pitched sound profile, the Box White may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, light typing experience with a light bottom-out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the Purple Star could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you desire, whether it be a crunchy and polished feel with the Box White or a mild and easy-to-press sensation with the Purple Star. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
