Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Cheese mechanical keyboard switches, a notable difference emerges immediately between their tactile and linear characteristics. The Box Royal is praised for its intense tactility, offering a sharp and binary feedback that is ideal for users seeking a pronounced tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and light actuation, providing a satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound signature. These differences in tactile feedback and sound profile make the Box Royal and HMX Cheese switches appealing to different types of users. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Cheese switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon as a housing material in both switches allows for a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastics. This similarity in housing materials indicates that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
One key difference between the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Cheese switches lies in the specific design and construction of their housing materials. While both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings, the internal components and structure of each switch may vary, potentially impacting the overall typing experience. The Box Royal may offer a slightly different sound and feel compared to the Cheese due to variations in the design of their housings, despite both switches utilizing nylon for enhanced sound absorption.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Cheese switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user. While both switches share the use of nylon housing materials for a deeper and fuller sound profile, subtle differences in design and construction may influence the overall typing feel and sound. Ultimately, users may want to try both switches to determine which one aligns best with their typing preferences and requirements.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HMX Cheese linear switch. The Box Royal requires 45 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese only needs 43 grams to actuate and 46 grams to bottom out, classifying it as a lighter switch. This means that the Box Royal will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Cheese will offer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Box Royal being ideal for those who prefer a heavier switch and the Cheese being better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Box Royal offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Cheese switch. Ultimately, your preference for a shorter or slightly longer travel distance will depend on your personal typing style and comfort level with keypress feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is best suited for those seeking a highly tactile and sharp typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a smooth and light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound. While the Box Royal provides a more aggressive tactility, the Cheese switch focuses on smoothness and lightness. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the sharp and intense feedback of the Box Royal or the smooth and light typing feel of the Cheese switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you enjoy one, you may find a similar level of satisfaction from the other, as they provide distinct but equally enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and sharp, aggressive tactility, the Kailh Box Royal switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a high-pitched sound profile and a strong, crisp tactile bump that is noticeable with every keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 46 grams and an unparalleled smoothness, the HMX Cheese linear switches would be the perfect fit. These switches provide a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature and a pristine typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the Box Royal and the Cheese switches will depend on your preference for tactility, bottom out force, and sound profile.
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