Kailh Box Royal vs. Huano Elf

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact both typing experience and overall user satisfaction. The Kailh Box Royal switches are renowned for their aggressive tactile feedback, offering a sharp and binary tactility that provides a pronounced response with every keystroke. With a higher-pitched sound profile, they deliver a satisfying auditory cue that can enhance your gaming or typing experience, making them ideal for those who relish the tactile elements of their keyboard. On the other hand, the Huano Elf switches offer a contrasting linear feel, characterized by their medium-light actuation and deep sound signature thanks to their POK top housing. This combination results in a smooth and stealthy typing experience that appeals to users who prefer quieter operation without compromising on satisfaction. While the Box Royals cater to those in search of pronounced tactile feedback, the Elf switches are perfect for users seeking a more subdued yet fulfilling typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Huano Elf Linear

$6.25 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Huano Elf switches, one can observe distinct differences in their top housing materials. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Elf utilizes a top housing made from POK (polyketone), a material recognized for its impressive smoothness and durability. With a lower friction coefficient than the Box Royal nylon, the POK housing contributes to a more crisp and clacky sound, allowing for a lively typing experience. This inherent difference in material creates varied auditory feedback, significantly affecting the overall typing sensations.

In terms of bottom housings, however, both switches converge in their use of nylon. The nylon bottom housing in both the Kailh Box Royal and the Huano Elf shares similar properties that affect the typing experience. As a classic switch housing material, nylon provides a consistency in producing a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing noise effectively. This similarity means that when bottoming out, both switches elicit comparable auditory feedback and tactile sensations, making for a uniform experience in terms of sound dampening and feel, despite the differences in the top housing.

The interplay of these materials determines the overall sound profile that switch users experience. While the Kailh Box Royal excels in achieving a muted, rounded acoustic response due to its nylon top and bottom housings, the Huano Elf presents a more vibrant sound with its POK top housing combined with a nylon bottom. Users can expect a more lively auditory feedback from the Elf when releasing keys, whilst enjoying the entrenched depth provided by the nylon material upon bottoming out. Thus, while the switches offer different characteristics in their top housings, the consistency of nylon in their bottom housings ensures that they will provide some similarities in performance, notably in the richness of sound when actuating keys.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Box Royal requiring 45 grams to activate a keystroke, while the Elf demands a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This slight difference may appeal to those who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the Box Royal's bottom out force is set at 70 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing the key all the way down, which can provide a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Huano Elf linear switch is unknown, leaving a gap in the information needed to fully assess its performance when fully pressed. Therefore, while the Kailh Box Royal may be suitable for users who enjoy a heavier feel and defined tactile feedback, the Huano Elf offers a lighter actuation that could cater to those seeking a faster typing experience, but without complete information on its bottom out characteristics, users may want to test it themselves to understand its full performance.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in terms of how far they travel when a key is pressed down. This means that users can expect a similar experience regarding the depth of key presses for both switches. As a result, if you're seeking a consistent feeling in your typing or gaming experience, either switch would provide the same travel distance, allowing for comparable performance and feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch offers a distinctly high-pitched tone, characterized by a sharp and crisp auditory signature upon key activation. This makes it a great fit for users who prefer a sound profile that avoids the richer, bass-heavy qualities found in some other switches. In contrast, the Huano Elf switch boasts a notably deeper sound profile, enhanced by its POK top housing, which is designed for superior acoustics. This results in a more resonant sound that contrasts with the Box Royal's sharper notes. However, it is essential to keep in mind that both switches' sound characteristics can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard frame and keycap material.

Regarding feel, the Box Royal is revered for its prominent and sharp tactile feedback. The strong tactile bump provides an intense sensory experience, allowing users to feel each actuation very distinctly, making it suitable for those who appreciate a robust tactile response. On the other hand, the Huano Elf switch is known for its medium-light feel, which lends to a smoother typing experience, though there is no specific tactile characteristic highlighted. This makes the Elf ideally suited for users who favor linear switches and may enjoy a more fluid motion without a pronounced tactile bump.

In summary, the Kailh Box Royal switch is perfect for users who crave a sharp auditory and tactile feedback, while the Huano Elf is geared towards those seeking a deeper sound and a smoother, lighter typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the aggressive tactility and brighter sound of the Box Royal or the fluid feel and deeper acoustics of the Elf. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, ensuring that there’s a suitable option for every user's preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box Royal tactile switches and Huano Elf linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of feedback you desire. If you crave a pronounced tactile experience with each keystroke, the Box Royal is your best bet. Its medium-heavy actuation force and sharp, high-pitched sound profile make it ideal for those who enjoy a distinct tactile bump that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. However, if you're looking for a smoother, more fluid keystroke experience, the Huano Elf is likely the better option for you. The Elf switch offers a lighter touch and a deep, rich sound signature, making it perfect for quieter environments or for users who prefer linear switches without the harsh tactile feedback. Overall, consider what feels most comfortable and rewarding to you in your typing style—whether you prefer the confident, tactile feedback of the Box Royal or the smooth, immersive experience of the Elf.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more