TTC Bluish White vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches for those seeking a satisfying typing experience with distinct tactile feedback. The TTC Bluish White switch is known for its 'buttery', 'mild', and 'subtle' tactile feel, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. With a snappy sound profile and a low-pitched tone, these switches deliver a polished and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switch offers a sharp and binary tactility that is nearly aggressive. If you desire an intense tactile feedback, these switches are perfect for you. While they produce a relatively higher pitched sound, the Box Royals provide a tactile experience that is hard to beat. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision and choose the switch that suits your preferences perfectly.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Kailh Box Royal switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, while both switches provide distinct sound profiles, the difference lies in the sharpness versus the depth of the sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bluish White and the Box Royal utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a similar typing experience of a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite having different top housings, both switches provide a similar sound profile through their nylon bottom housings.
The choice of top and bottom housing materials in a switch significantly contributes to the overall sound and feel. In the case where the top and bottom housings differ, the characteristics of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of the switch, with different materials emphasizing various aspects of sound production.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bluish White has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, meaning it requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Box Royal has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. While the difference is minimal, it may be more noticeable to individuals who prefer a lighter touch.
When it comes to bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams of force to fully press the key down, providing a satisfying but not overly firm typing feel. On the other hand, the Box Royal has a noticeably higher bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience. This heavier force may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing.
Considering weight preferences, those who want a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may opt for the TTC Bluish White, as its actuation and bottom out forces are lighter compared to the Box Royal. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Kailh Box Royal's slightly heavier actuation and notably higher bottom out force may be more desirable. Overall, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces allow for personalized choices based on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, it is evident that they are very similar. The Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Box Royal has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although the difference between the two is minimal, it is worth noting that the Box Royal has a slightly longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a traditional travel distance, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. However, it is becoming increasingly common for shorter travel distances to be preferred, particularly by gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel, the longer travel distance of the Box Royal switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.18.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch is known for a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches will have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is described as having a high-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches will be sharp and crisp. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Therefore, depending on the setup, you can achieve similar results with either switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bluish White tactile switch offers a range of qualities. It is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This means that typing on these switches will feel seamless, effortless, and uniform. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone where the sound and feel are approachable to most users. Furthermore, the Bluish White switch can be classified as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. This provides a more mild sensation compared to switches with a larger tactile bump. Lastly, the Bluish White switch is described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. Its sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump. The feedback intensity of these switches is high, and the bump can be distinctly felt with every keypress.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Bluish White and Kailh Box Royal tactile switches have distinct characteristics. The Bluish White offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. It provides a buttery, mild, stepped, and subtle feel, combined with a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switches are known for their nearly aggressive tactility, producing a high-pitched sound profile. These switches have a sharp tactile bump, offering a more intense feedback sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a different typing experience. It's essential to consider other factors such as keyboard setup and keycap choices to achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light tactile switch with a satisfyingly poppy typing experience and a lower-pitched sound profile, the TTC Bluish White switches are a great choice. They offer a buttery and mild typing experience, with a smooth and uniform keystroke sensation. The Bluish Whites are suitable for shared spaces due to their subtle and polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a sharp and binary tactility, the Kailh Box Royal switches are perfect for you. These switches provide an aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound profile. Their sharp tactile bump is intense and distinct with each keypress, offering a unique typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Bluish White and Kailh Box Royal switches depends on your personal preferences for weight, tactility, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a lighter or heavier switch, a snappy or sharp feel, a low or high-pitched sound, and a smooth or intense typing experience. It's important to try out different switches to determine which one aligns best with your preferences and typing style. In the end, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, allowing you to have an enjoyable typing experience tailored to your needs.
Mentioned in this article
