HMX 1989 vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and the Kailh Box Royal present two distinct choices, each catering to different preferences and styles of typing. The HMX 1989 is a linear switch renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience that many gamers and typists appreciate for its ability to facilitate fast and fluid typing. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback, offering users a sharp and almost aggressive tactile bump that enhances the typing experience by providing clear actuation points. This switch is ideal for those who relish a pronounced tactile sensation and a higher-pitched sound profile. Choosing between these switches often boils down to personal preference—whether one desires the seamless glide of linear keys or the satisfying feedback of tactile ones. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the Kailh Box Royal differ in their choice of top housing materials, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, resonates more effectively, leading to a more pronounced auditory experience, especially beneficial for those who appreciate heightened acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder, less pronounced auditory output. This fundamental difference in materials influences not only the sound but also the overall sensory experience of typing on each switch.
When analyzing the bottom housing of both switches, however, we find they share a commonality in employing nylon. Both the HMX 1989 and the Kailh Box Royal feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which universally promotes a richer, deeper sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This similarity means users can expect a consistent bottom-out experience that aligns with the properties of nylon, such as reduced high-frequency sounds and a more pronounced, mellow acoustic feedback. Thus, while the top housings create nearly opposite auditory environments, the bottom housing unifies their sound characteristics, ensuring that both switches provide a satisfying tactile response when pressed.
In terms of overall performance when typing, the combination of housings in each switch creates a unique interplay of sound profiles. The HMX 1989's polycarbonate top housing sharpness pairs with its nylon bottom housing's depth, resulting in a sound that is both clear and resonant when keys are released but deeper upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Box Royal achieves a more muted sound overall, maintaining a consistent delivery influenced predominantly by its nylon top and bottom housing, lending to a more subdued and cushioned typing experience. This divergence emphasizes the importance of housing materials in determining the feel and sound of each switch, further showcasing how their unique combinations produce distinct results while retaining some similarities, particularly from the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally versatile for typing and gaming sessions that require extended usage. However, their bottom out forces differ considerably; the HMX 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is on the medium-light end of the spectrum, whereas the Kailh Box Royal features a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that while both switches will trigger a keystroke with the same pressure, the experience varies significantly when pressing the keys all the way down. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions might gravitate towards the HMX 1989, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier resistance of the Kailh Box Royal.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, we find notable differences. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to offer a deeper keystroke and a more traditional typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh Box Royal has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who prefer a quicker response time, which is particularly favored by gamers. Therefore, if you're seeking the more immediate feedback characteristic of shorter travel distances, the Box Royal would suit your needs better. Meanwhile, if you enjoy a more pronounced and hearty depth to your keystrokes, the HMX 1989 would be the superior choice. Overall, the HMX 1989 offers a longer travel distance, while the Kailh Box Royal provides a more compact feel, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is best known for delivering a deep and thocky acoustic profile, making it perfect for users who appreciate a bass-heavy auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch produces a higher-pitched sound. This results in a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke, providing a more aggressive sound profile that some users may prefer if they dislike richer, bassier sounds. Ultimately, if you're searching for a keyboard that evokes a more profound and resonant sound, the 1989 is a more suitable option, while the Box Royal will appeal to those who favor a brighter, cleaner auditory response.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 excels with its deep and thocky feedback, imbuing each keystroke with a sense of weight and satisfaction. This switch aims to deliver a smooth experience without any tactile interruption typical in traditional linear switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal has an unmistakably sharp tactile bump, offering aggressive tactile feedback that is clearly defined with every press. Its strong, crisp tactile response stands out, catering to users who crave a distinctly tactile experience. Thus, the tactile feedback of the 1989 is designed for smooth, uninterrupted typing, while the tactility of the Box Royal is sharp and engaging.
In conclusion, the HMX 1989 linear switch stands out with its deep, thocky sound and smooth feel, appealing to those who prioritize an immersive typing experience without tactile interruption. Meanwhile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch caters to users seeking a bright sound and prominent tactile feedback. Both switches present distinct choices, whether you lean towards a bass-rich auditory experience and a fluid typing feel with the 1989 or an aggressive tactile sensation with the sharp sound profile of the Box Royal. Thus, your selection should be guided by your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you favor a smoother, quieter experience with a medium-light actuation force, the HMX 1989 would be your go-to choice, especially if you enjoy a “thocky” sound profile that many gamers and typists appreciate for its satisfying feedback without being overly loud. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a seamless keypress during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you crave a more aggressive tactile feel with a sharp bump on actuating each key, the Kailh Box Royal is designed specifically for that purpose, with a heavier actuation force that provides strong feedback, making it a great option for users who enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation in their typing or gaming. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound produced by the Box Royal can be preferable if you’re looking to avoid the deeper, bassy sound profiles of other switches. Thus, your choice should hinge on whether you value smooth, linear action or a distinctly tactile and robust typing experience.
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