Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX FJ400

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and HMX FJ400 offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences and typing styles. The Kailh Box Royal is celebrated for its sharp, binary tactility, providing an aggressive tactile feedback that can enhance typing precision and satisfaction for users who thrive on a pronounced tactile response. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 stands out as a linear switch with a balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smoother keypress without the interruptions of tactile bumps or loud clicks. The Box Royal's higher-pitched sound adds an exciting auditory element that some users might find appealing, while the FJ400 allows for silent yet fluid keystrokes, making it suitable for quiet environments. Each switch brings its own strengths, catering to different typing preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

HMX FJ400 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 HMX FJ400, distinct differences and similarities in their housing materials emerge that influence their overall acoustic characteristics. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, recognized for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory profile. In contrast, the FJ400 incorporates a POM top housing, which, while also yielding a deeper sound, tends to create a more muted and unique aural experience. This suggests that while both switches can achieve a satisfying sound profile, the material of the FJ400 may result in subtle variations, making it stand out in terms of acoustic clarity and tonal depth.

On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, a material that contributes to a common sound signature. Nylon is celebrated for its softer texture, which absorbs sound effectively, leading to a duller, rounder sound. In this respect, both the Box Royal and FJ400 benefit from similar acoustical qualities in their bottom housings, which means that both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying typing experience with comparable bottom-out sounds and tactile feedback. This shared bottom housing characteristic creates a foundation for the switches that may evoke similar sensations when typing, regardless of the differences presented by the top housings.

Overall, the combination of the different top housing materials leads to a nuanced differentiation in the sound profiles of the two switches. The Kailh Box Royal's nylon top provides a classic sound experience, while the HMX FJ400's POM top introduces an element of uniqueness that could appeal to enthusiasts looking for a specific auditory experience. However, the commonality found in the nylon bottom housings ensures that both switches maintain a sense of familiarity in terms of tactile feel and how they sound when bottomed out. Thus, while users may experience unique auditory cues, the essential tactile and auditory qualities remain intertwined due to the shared characteristics of the bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams to the HMX FJ400 linear switch, which has a 50-gram actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, we see distinct differences in their weights and feel. The Box Royal, being lighter in terms of actuation force, allows for easier keystrokes, which can be beneficial for users engaged in prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the FJ400’s slightly heavier actuation force provides a more substantial push, appealing to those who prefer a firmer tactile response. However, the bottom out force of the FJ400 is notably lower at 58 grams compared to the Box Royal's heavier 70 grams, indicating that while the FJ400 may require more effort to initially activate, it provides a softer landing when pressed all the way down. Overall, the Box Royal is the lighter option, making it more suitable for comfort during extended use, whereas the FJ400 offers a heavier feel for a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX FJ400 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Box Royal the shorter of the two, appealing to those who prioritize quicker response times, often favored by gamers seeking speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. Conversely, the FJ400's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel that some users prefer, as it allows for a more pronounced feedback when typing. Ultimately, if you favor rapid actuation and responsiveness, the Kailh Box Royal would be the better choice, while the HMX FJ400 may satisfy those who appreciate a more traditional, deeper typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch stands out with its high-pitched sound profile. This crisp and sharp auditory feedback is particularly appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory cue without the heavy depth that comes from richer, bassy switches. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX FJ400 are not clearly defined, leaving some uncertainty about its acoustic qualities. However, it is acknowledged as a balanced option in the HMX Film lineup, which suggests that it may offer a more nuanced sound that sits comfortably between higher and lower frequencies, making it versatile for various preferences.

In terms of feel, the Box Royal excels with a particularly sharp tactile response. This switch delivers an intense, binary tactility that provides significant feedback with each keypress. Users can expect a clearly defined bump that reinforces the switch's intention, making it exceptionally satisfying for tactile enthusiasts. As for the HMX FJ400, the tactile quality isn't explicitly described, so we may not be able to gauge how it compares to the Box Royal in terms of tactile feedback. This leads to uncertainty about how it will feel in use, especially for those specifically seeking strong tactile sensations.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal is a fantastic choice for those who favor a sharp, high-pitched sound and a highly tactile experience, while the HMX FJ400 positions itself as a balanced switch, though its exact characteristics in sound and feel remain unclear. Ultimately, if you're seeking an intense tactile experience with a crisp sound, the Box Royal is the clear frontrunner, while the FJ400 may appeal to those who prefer a more refined auditory experience, though further exploration of its feel and sound profile would be beneficial for a complete comparison.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you find yourself seeking a sharper, more distinct tactile feedback while typing or gaming, the Box Royal is likely the better fit. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams provides a satisfying resistance, which many users enjoy for precision. The high-pitched sound profile also adds an extra auditory feedback that may enhance your typing experience, particularly if you prefer a crisper sound and tactile feel. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and quieter keystroke, the FJ400 is an excellent choice. With a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, it caters to those who prefer effortless typing sessions without the pronounced tactile bump. Its balanced sound profile makes it suitable for quiet environments, ensuring you won’t disturb others around you. In essence, choose the Box Royal for an engaging and dynamic typing experience, while the FJ400 serves those who value smoothness and subtlety in their switch preference.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more