Kailh Box White vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box White and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Box White switch is known for its clicky design, offering a satisfying audio feedback reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Along with its resonant and high-pitched qualities, typing on these switches feels crunchy and provides accented tactility. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch offers a medium tactile feel, providing a precise and comfortable typing experience. With its buttery and mild tactility, these switches offer a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. Unlike the Box White, the Silent Bluish Whites are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them the perfect choice for office or shared living spaces. Both switches have their merits, but to determine the best one for you, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
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
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 Kailh Box White and TTC Silent Bluish White switches share the same material for their top housing, which is polycarbonate. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar sound qualities and aesthetic benefits due to their polycarbonate top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box White and Silent Bluish White switches incorporate nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on either switch with the nylon bottom housing will evoke similar qualities in terms of sound.
Although the top and bottom housings differ for these switches, the impact of each housing material is split between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the materials may differ in their impact, both the Kailh Box White and TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer comparable experiences in terms of sound production, thanks to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is evident that there are notable differences. The Box White switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Bluish White switch requires slightly less force at 42 grams to initiate a keystroke. This means that the Silent Bluish White switch provides a lighter and potentially more nimble typing experience.
In terms of bottoming out, the Box White switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, slightly heavier than its actuation force. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, matching its actuation force. This indicates that both switches require the same force for complete depression, ensuring a consistent typing experience.
The difference in weight makes the Silent Bluish White switch a preferable option for individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel, as it allows for extended periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for office environments or long gaming sessions. Conversely, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Box White switch, which requires a slightly heavier force for actuation.
It is important to note that although the Silent Bluish White switch provides a lighter actuation force, its bottom out force is also lighter compared to the Box White switch. Therefore, users can expect similar typing results with both switches in terms of the amount of force required to fully depress a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and offer a satisfactory typing experience. However, for those seeking quicker response times, the Box White's shorter travel distance may be preferred. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances to enhance their reaction times. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and deliberate feel while typing might lean towards the Silent Bluish White switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 switch is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a clean and sharp sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch produces a more muted sound. These switches are designed to minimize noise and provide a softer and quieter typing experience, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. 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 used.
When it comes to 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 with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The TTC Silent Bluish White switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery and mild typing experience. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, making typing feel effortless and uniform. Additionally, the Silent Bluish White switch falls into the stepped and subtle categories, meaning it has a gentle resistance with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and precise typing feel, with the Box White leaning towards a polished and refined experience and the Silent Bluish White providing a more gentle and approachable option.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White and TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile with a crunchy typing experience. It offers an accented tactility and polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch produces a muted and quieter sound, designed for use in shared spaces. It offers a buttery and mild typing experience with a stepped and subtle feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to enhance your typing experience. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking maximum audio feedback and enjoy a distinct clicky sound while typing, the Kailh Box White switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and offer a pronounced tactility. With their medium bottom out force of 60 grams, they offer a satisfying level of resistance without being too heavy.
On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feel, then the TTC Silent Bluish White switch is the better option. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a precise and comfortable typing experience. They have a medium level of tactility and are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for use in office or shared living spaces.
In terms of sound, the Box White switch produces a resonant and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White switch offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Box White switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. These switches also have a stepped feel and a subtle resistance, making them suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a clicky sound and accentuated tactility, the Box White switch is the way to go. However, if you value a quiet typing experience with a comfortable tactile feel, the Silent Bluish White switch is the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs, ensuring a customized typing experience.
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