Kailh Box Royal vs. Kailh Box White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh Box White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a fantastic tactile experience, the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh Box White are two options worth considering. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp and binary tactility, providing an almost aggressive tactile feel that is perfect for those seeking a highly responsive switch. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile adds a touch of uniqueness to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Box White switch offers maximum audio feedback with an unmistakable "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a noticeable tactility when pressing the keys. It is categorized as resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced sensory experience while typing. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh Box White differ in terms of their housing materials. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, while the Box White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This disparity in materials leads to distinct sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box White creates a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. Although their top housings contrast, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing.
When it comes to the overall sound experience, the different housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh Box White divide the qualities between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing the switch activates the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. As both switches share a nylon bottom housing, they deliver a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, it is upon releasing a key that the impact of the top housing becomes evident. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal with its softness absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound upon key release. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box White produces a more clear and resonant sound profile when letting go of a key. Thus, the two switches offer different sound experiences based on their respective top housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh Box White also play a role. The Box Royal's nylon top housing offers a classic switch appearance, while the Box White's polycarbonate top housing, being translucent, allows for the utilization of RGB lighting. This makes the Box White an excellent choice for those who wish to incorporate colorful lighting effects into their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Box Royal prioritizes a more traditional look. Despite their aesthetic differences, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, indicating a similarity in their overall visual design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Box Royal is 45 grams, whereas the Box White requires 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Box White has a slightly heavier actuation force. In terms of the bottom out force, the Box Royal requires 70 grams, which is heavier than the Box White's 60 grams. This indicates that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Box White offers a lighter typing feel.
Considering weight, some individuals might prefer a lighter switch to facilitate typing for longer periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Box White would be the lighter option, enabling extended typing sessions, while the Box Royal would offer a heavier force, providing a more substantial typing feel. Overall, these differences in actuation force and bottom out force allow users to choose between the two switches based on their personal preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on either key, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom of the switch. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click, making them suitable for those who prefer a tactile and clicky typing experience. Whether you choose the Kailh Box Royal or the Kailh Box White, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76.
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 Royal switch offers a relatively higher-pitched profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them a great choice for those who prefer a more distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White switch provides maximum audio feedback with a resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches creates a clean and sharp sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Both switches have a high-pitched sound, so if you prefer that type of sound profile, you can expect similar results from both.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. The tactile bump on these switches is strong and crisp, providing a highly noticeable feedback with each keypress. Conversely, the Kailh Box White switch offers a polished feel. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of the Box White switch contribute to a more enjoyable typing feel. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback, the Box Royal switch would be the better choice, while those looking for a smoother typing experience may prefer the Box White switch.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Kailh Box White switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal switch stands out with its sharp, binary tactility and relatively higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who desire an aggressive tactile experience and distinct keypress sound. On the other hand, the Box White switch excels in providing maximum audio feedback with a resonant and clean sound profile, while delivering a polished and smooth typing feel. Consider your personal preferences in terms of tactility and sound when choosing between these switches, and keep in mind that the sound and feel is also influenced by other factors such as your keyboard and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with an aggressive and sharp tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Royal is the perfect choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, you'll experience a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. These switches are known for their binary tactility, offering a nearly aggressive experience. The sound profile is relatively higher pitched, which may be preferred if you don't enjoy the more rich and bassy sound profiles of certain switches.
On the other hand, if you prioritize maximum audio feedback, the Kailh Box White switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer an accented tactility and a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch sound. The sound profile of the Box White is resonant, clean, and sharp, giving you an immersive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal provides a sharp tactile sensation, making the feedback intensity high and distinct. On the other hand, the Box White offers a polished feel, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and Box White switches will depend on your specific preferences. If you crave a highly tactile experience and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile, go for the Box Royal. But if you value maximum audio feedback and a polished feel, the Box White is the switch for you. Whether you prioritize tactility, sound, or feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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