Kailh Box White vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box White and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Box White switch is known for its clicky feedback, offering a satisfying crunch and a distinct tactile feel reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch is celebrated for its light actuation force of 37g, which translates to effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue even during extended typing sessions. Its 50g tactile force also ensures a delightful keystroke experience with a discernible bump. While these general characteristics may help in making an initial decision, let's delve deeper into the details to determine which switch is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the KTT Phalaenopsis share several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. This means that both the Box White and the Phalaenopsis will deliver similar sound qualities and visual effects when it comes to the top housing of the switch.
However, where these switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Box White features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. With its stiffness, polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound profile. While both materials contribute to the sound, they offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Since the top and bottom housings impact different aspects of the switch, the combination of materials in each switch leads to unique results. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will be more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction allows users to choose between the deeper, fuller sound of the Box White's nylon bottom housing or the sharper, crisper sound of the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing, depending on their preference for the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are some distinct differences. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Phalaenopsis has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Phalaenopsis requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams of force, whereas the Phalaenopsis has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that while the Box White offers a slightly more substantial typing experience, the Phalaenopsis provides a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing sensation. If one prefers a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Phalaenopsis would be the preferable choice. However, for those who enjoy a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience, the Box White would be the better option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for keyboards. The Box White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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 and high-pitched profile. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound, similar to the experience of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound. Pressing these switches results in a deeper and richer sound, resembling a soft "knock" or a deep "thud." It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch offers a polished experience. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as stepped. Stepped switches have a more mild tactile feel compared to hypertactile switches, providing a distinctive pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation during keystrokes.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White switch provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile with an accented tactility, while the Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy and thocky sound with a discernible tactile bump. The Box White switch is known for its polished feel, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel, while the Phalaenopsis switch has a stepped feel, offering a milder tactile sensation. It's important to note that individual preferences may vary, and it's recommended to try out both switches to determine which one suits your typing preferences better.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys a crisp and sharp sound profile when typing, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a satisfyingly accented tactility and a delightful typing experience. Additionally, if you appreciate the sensation of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, the Box White switch will certainly deliver that well-loved "crunchy" feel. On the other hand, if effortless typing and minimized finger fatigue are your priorities, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch with a light-bottom out force of 50 grams would be more suitable. You can expect a discernible tactile bump and a delightful typing experience with each keystroke. The Phalaenopsis switch also offers a pleasing deep and rich sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Lastly, if you prefer switches that have reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Box White's polished finish provides a sleek typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis's stepped feel allows for a mild and comfortable keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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