Kailh Box Royal vs. Zuoce Bubblegum
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Zuoce Bubblegum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Zuoce Bubblegum present two distinct options for users seeking different experiences. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense tactility, providing a sharp and binary feel that caters to those who prefer a more aggressive typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Bubblegum from Gold Grain stands out with its striking colorways and a satisfyingly clacky typing feel that appeals to keyboard enthusiasts looking for something unique. The Box Royal is categorized as sharp and high-pitched, while the Bubblegum is described as clacky and bouncy. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM+SL
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal features a nylon top housing which creates a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Zuoce Bubblegum uses a POM top housing that also provides a unique and pleasing sound, albeit on the deeper and more muted side. Both housing materials offer a different acoustic experience to the user, with the nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM's more muted sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kailh Box Royal and the Zuoce Bubblegum utilize nylon material. This means that when pressing down on the switch, users will experience a similar deep and fuller sound profile due to the nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, showcasing the impact of the nylon material in providing a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Zuoce Bubblegum offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound and feel of the switches. While the Box Royal's nylon top housing creates a rounder sound profile, the Bubblegum's POM top housing delivers a unique and deeper sound experience. Similarly, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, providing users with a consistent deep and fuller sound profile when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams. On the other hand, the Box Royal also has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Bubblegum has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Bubblegum offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have their advantages, with the Box Royal catering to those who prefer a heavier feel and the Bubblegum appealing to users looking for a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Box Royal the longer-traveling switch by a mere 0.1 mm. For some users, this slight difference may not even be noticeable, as both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Bubblegum switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Box Royal. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, providing comparable results in terms of typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Bubblegum has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bubblegum for $2.30.
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 Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more distinct and pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, adding an element of brightness and liveliness to each keystroke. Depending on your preference, the Box Royal will deliver a higher frequency sound, while the Bubblegum will give you a more dynamic and punchy auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch boasts a sharp and intense tactile bump, providing a strong and crisp feedback with each keypress. This makes it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a highly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Bubblegum switch offers a bouncy sensation with a spring-like feedback, giving the keys a lively feel and providing rebound when pressed. This can be appealing to users looking for a more playful and responsive typing feel. Depending on your preference, the Box Royal will offer a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Bubblegum will give you a more elastic and lively keypress sensation.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct and unique typing experiences. While the Box Royal provides a sharp and binary tactility with a high-pitched sound profile, the Bubblegum offers a clacky typing experience with a bouncy and lively feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more aggressive and tactile typing experience with sharp sound feedback (Box Royal), or a playful and responsive typing feel with a snappy and percussive sound profile (Bubblegum). Rest assured, both switches will deliver satisfying results, ensuring an enjoyable and personalized typing experience for each user.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of tactility, sound, and bottom out force. If you prioritize a sharp and aggressive tactile experience with a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more bouncy and lively feel with a clacky sound, the Bubblegum switch might be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve. Be sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style best.
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