Kailh Box Navy vs. Kailh Box Royal

Overview

If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience and delights in the distinctive sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be an ideal choice for you. These switches provide a satisfying heftiness and sound reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, giving you a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switches boast an exceptional level of tactility, with a sharp and binary tactility that may even be described as nearly aggressive. If you crave a tactile typing experience that leaves no room for ambiguity, the Box Royals are perfect for you. While both switches offer a sharp sound profile, the Box Royals have a relatively higher-pitched sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$5.50 per 10

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Kailh Box Royal switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. On the other hand, the Box Royal features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and duller sound profile. Therefore, while both switches have distinct sound characteristics, they vary in terms of pitch and depth.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Box Navy and the Box Royal utilize nylon as the material. This is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, thereby creating a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing of both switches shares this characteristic, they differ in terms of the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches. The qualities brought by the bottom housing will predominantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.

In conclusion, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Kailh Box Royal switches result in contrasting sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Box Royal creates a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences, the nylon bottom housing of both switches leads to a similar duller and rounder sound. It is important to consider both the top and bottom housings when assessing the sound and feel of these switches, as they contribute to different aspects of the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, it is clear that there are significant differences in weight. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a robust and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a more comfortable option for extended typing sessions.

For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Box Royal would be the ideal choice as it allows for longer periods of typing without strain or fatigue. This makes it suitable for situations such as working or engaging in long gaming sessions. However, individuals who crave a more pronounced and forceful keystroke may find the Box Navy to be more satisfying. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a stronger push feel that elevates the typing experience to a more substantial level.

It is important to note that both switches offer a distinct clicky and tactile feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience. Therefore, regardless of the weight preferences, users can expect similar satisfying results in terms of feedback, making either option highly desirable.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy and Box Royal switches offer different profiles. The Box Navy switches produce a resonant and crunchy sound. Typing on these switches creates a higher-pitched sound profile that can be described as clean and sharp. The experience is comparable to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Box Royal switches have a high-pitched sound. When pressed, they produce a sharp and crisp sound that is distinct. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Box Royal switches might not be the best choice for you. However, it's important to consider that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Box Navy and Box Royal switches provide a sharp tactile feedback. These switches are known for their high feedback intensity, and the tactile bump is strong and crisp, offering a distinct feeling with each keypress. The Box Navy switches are also described as invigorating, providing a moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, they are considered stiff switches, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the other hand, there is limited information available about the specific feel of the Box Royal switches beyond their sharp tactile feedback. However, based on their similar description to the Box Navy switches, it can be inferred that the Box Royal switches also offer a pronounced tactile feel.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy switches are recommended for those seeking a heavy typing experience with a vintage feel. These switches provide a resonant and crunchy sound profile, along with a sharp and distinct tactile feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switches offer a nearly aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile. While the specific feel of the Box Royal switches is not extensively described, they are expected to offer a similar sharp tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound signature hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, if you're looking for a nearly aggressive tactility, the Kailh Box Royal switches are perfect switches for you. They offer a sharp, binary tactility that is about as tactile as you can go. The sound profile of the Box Navy is described as resonant and crunchy, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal has a high-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches are described as having a sharp and crisp tactile bump, but the Box Navy is also described as invigorating and stiff. Ultimately, your choice between the two will come down to your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and tactile feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

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Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more