Gateron Beer vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the Kailh Box Royal mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a tactile typing experience. The Gateron Beer stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green appearance and refreshingly lightweight feel. With a stepped tactility that provides a subtler typing experience and a characteristic clacky sound signature, the Beer switch is ideal for those who prefer easy-to-press keys with a unique tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switch offers a more aggressive and sharp tactility, perfect for users seeking a highly tactile typing experience. Although both switches have their own distinct characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and Kailh Box Royal, it is evident that both switches have unique characteristics due to the choice of housing materials. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Box Royal's nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Beer switch leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, while the softer nylon in the Box Royal absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both housings serve their purpose well in creating distinct sound profiles.
When it comes to the bottom housings of the Beer and Box Royal switches, the same trend is observed. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal enhances the depth and fullness of the sound produced. The differences in stiffness between the two materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound profile of each switch. While the top and bottom housings of a switch may have different impacts on the sound when pressed, they both play crucial roles in shaping the overall typing experience.
In essence, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Gateron Beer and Kailh Box Royal significantly influences the sound profile and overall typing experience. The distinct qualities of polycarbonate and nylon contribute to the unique sound signatures of each switch, with polycarbonate offering a sharper, crisper sound and nylon providing a deeper, fuller sound. Whether it's the top or bottom housing, each material has a significant impact on the overall typing experience, demonstrating the importance of housing materials in switch design and customization.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, it is clear that the Beer is the lighter option. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light and easy typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Beer, while those who enjoy a more robust typing experience may opt for the Box Royal. Both switches provide distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they fall within a similar range. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Box Royal with its 3.6 mm travel distance may provide a slightly more substantial feel compared to the Beer switch with its 3.4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of keypress feel and desired response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, giving off a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch produces a higher-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the Beer offers a more clacky experience compared to the Royal's higher-pitched sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance during key presses. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility that provides a more subtle and distinct feel compared to other switches. In contrast, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, offering a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each keypress. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Beer providing a lighter touch and stepped feel, while the Royal offers a more aggressive and defined tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound with an easy-to-press and stepped feel, while the Royal switch offers a higher-pitched sound with a sharp tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would come down to individual taste in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more subtle, stepped tactile feel with a clacky sound profile, the Gateron Beer switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force, sharp binary tactility, and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing style, so it's essential to test both switches to see which one feels best for you.
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