Kailh Box Royal vs. Kailh Box White V2

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch is crucial, and two popular options from Kailh are the Box Royal and the Box White V2. The Box Royal switches stand out with their exceptionally sharp, binary tactility, making them an ideal choice for those who crave an assertive feedback with each keystroke. Coupled with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, these switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience for users who desire a tactile response without the distraction of audible clicks. On the other hand, the Box White V2 switches shine with their distinct clicky feedback and sharp tactile sensation, providing a clear auditory signal with every keypress that many typists find both enjoyable and reassuring. While both switches cater to users seeking tactile feedback, the Box Royal leans towards a more aggressive feel, whereas the Box White V2 prioritizes an engaging click sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$6.25 per 10

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh Box White V2 switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound when typing. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound better than harder plastics, leading to a more rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Kailh Box White V2 employs a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity, resulting in a higher-pitched acoustic output. Thus, the primary difference in sound character stems from these disparate materials used in the top housing of each switch.

On the other hand, both the Kailh Box Royal and the Box White V2 share a common material for their bottom housings, as both switches utilize nylon. This similarity in bottom housing means that when typing, the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will exhibit the same deeper and fuller sound quality attributed to nylon's softer characteristics. As such, while the top housings contribute significantly to the overall sound experience, users can expect a consistent baseline of sound and tactile feedback from the nylon bottom housing in both switches, which retains the classic feel and depth typical of this material.

In terms of overall performance and user experience, the tonal dichotomy between the two switches becomes apparent when actively typing. The Box Royal's nylon top housing delivers a muted response paired with a robust bottom-out sound due to its nylon base, making it preferable for users who enjoy a less aggressive auditory feedback during use. Conversely, the Box White V2’s polycarbonate top housing promises a brighter and more pronounced sound feedback while maintaining the cushioned feel of its nylon bottom. Therefore, while both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to the depth of sound, the varying top housing materials distinctly shape their individual sound profiles, providing users with options to suit their auditory preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch, there are notable differences in their bottom out forces despite sharing the same actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches require a consistent force to register a keystroke, making them similar in terms of initial tactile feedback. However, the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which gives it a heavier feel overall, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Box White V2’s bottom out force is much lighter at 50 grams, making it easier on the fingers during extended typing sessions, thus appealing to users who favor a lighter switch. Consequently, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Box Royal is heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force, whereas the Box White V2 offers a softer landing.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that pressing down on either switch will yield the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience when engaging either switch, as the equal travel distance contributes to consistent keypress feedback. Since both switches share this characteristic, they provide uniform results in terms of how far the switch moves when activated.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profiles of the Kailh Box Royal and Kailh Box White V2 switches differ notably. The Box Royal features a high-pitched sound that produces a sharp and crisp note upon activation, making it suitable for users who prefer a cleaner auditory experience. This high-pitched nature offers a clear distinction that avoids the more muddled, bass-heavy sounds found in some other switch types. In comparison, while the Box White V2 is renowned for its clicky nature, emphasizing a distinctive audible click, the specific sound characteristics aren't detailed here. However, the clicky sound is generally more pronounced and can potentially be more enjoyable for those who appreciate an audible confirmation with each keystroke.

When it comes to feel, the Box Royal excels with a sharp tactile experience characterized by a strong and clear bump felt during each keypress. This switch is designed for users who favor an almost aggressive tactile response, providing high feedback intensity that is immensely satisfying for typing and gaming. The Box White V2, while known for its tactile feedback, lacks specific descriptors in this context. However, clicky switches typically offer a pronounced tactile response that may parallel the sharpness of the Box Royal, even if the degree of tactility may not reach the same levels.

In summary, both the Kailh Box Royal and Box White V2 switches bring unique strengths to a mechanical keyboard. The Box Royal is ideal for those seeking pronounced and sharp tactile feedback with a high-pitched sound profile, while the Box White V2 offers a crisp click that many appreciate for its auditory appeal. If you prefer aggressive tactility and a more distinct auditory signal, the Box Royal will certainly satisfy those needs, whereas those who lean towards a pronounced click might find the Box White V2 to be more to their liking. Overall, the choice between these switches will boil down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and sound, with both providing a distinctly different typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier actuation with an intensely tactile feel, the Box Royal is the ideal choice; its sharp, binary tactility makes it perfect for those who relish a pronounced feedback with every keystroke. This switch’s high-pitched sound profile will suit you if you find more muted mechanical sounds less appealing. On the other hand, if you enjoy lighter keystrokes and appreciate the satisfying sound of a click, the Box White V2 is the way to go. With its 50 grams of bottom-out force, it not only allows for a quicker typing experience, but its crisp feedback and audible click enhance the engagement of each press without being overly aggressive in resistance. Therefore, consider your typing habits and sound preferences: the Box Royals cater to those who relish a more tactile and aggressive typing experience, while the Box Whites are better for users looking for a lighter feel combined with a delightful click, making your keyboard experience tailored to your unique needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more