Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, both of which are tactile switches. The Box Royal is best known for its aggressive tactility, providing a sharp and binary tactile sensation. If you enjoy a highly tactile typing experience, these switches are perfect for you. Additionally, the Box Royals produce a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown from Gateron offers an economical solution without compromising on quality. These switches provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump, ensuring it doesn't overpower your typing flow. The switches also feature a frosted light diffuser, enhancing the visual experience of your RGB lighting. Furthermore, the G Pro Browns have a medium-high pitch, offering a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown differ in their composition, leading to variations in their sound profiles. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer plastic. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic. As a result, it produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate material's translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and the G Pro 3.0 Brown share a nylon composition. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effects of the nylon top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches equipped with nylon bottom housing. Thus, despite having different top housing materials, these switches maintain a similar sound profile thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings of a switch are divided when different materials are used. When pressing down on the switch, the impact and sound of the bottom housing are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out feel and sound. On the other hand, the top housing plays a major role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for each component can significantly affect the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires a slightly heavier force of 55 grams to actuate a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Box Royal is heavier at 70 grams, compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's 63 grams.
The Box Royal switch provides a medium-heavy feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. It requires a slightly lighter initial force to trigger a key, but a firmer press to fully bottom out. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a medium actuation force, providing a balance between ease of keystroke and tactile feedback. While it requires a slightly heavier force to actuate, the bottom out force is slightly lighter.
Considering weight as a factor, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for work environments or extended gaming sessions. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a heavier push feel, the Box Royal would be a better choice. Both switches offer tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience, but the Box Royal offers a heavier bottom out force which might be preferred by users seeking a more pronounced tactile bump.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0mm is the norm, while 3.0mm is considered shallower. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter 3.6mm travel distance of the Box Royal would be a better option. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Overall, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch is described as having a relatively higher pitched sound profile. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is not specifically mentioned, so it is unknown. However, it is worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers an easy-to-press experience. These switches have a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. They provide a low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience by being responsive and comfortable.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Box Royal offers an aggressive and sharp tactility with a higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a gentle and subtle tactile sensation with an easy-to-press feel and a medium-high pitch sound. Both switches have their strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more aggressive tactility and higher pitched sound, the Box Royal is the better choice. If you prefer a subtler tactile sensation and an easy-to-press feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a highly tactile and aggressive switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Box Royal would be the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a sharp and binary tactility, providing a distinctive and intense feedback with each keypress. The higher pitched sound profile adds to the overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and easy-to-press switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown would be an excellent option. These switches offer a subtle tactile sensation that won't overpower your typing flow, making them suitable for comfortable and effortless typing sessions. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the visual experience with brighter RGB lighting. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switches also have a mild and stepped feel, appealing to a wider range of users. Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown depends on your preference for aggression and intensity versus comfort and ease-of-use.
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