Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow are two popular options, each with its own unique features and advantages. The Box Royal is best known for its incredibly tactile feel, offering a sharp and binary tactility that is perfect for those who prefer a more aggressive typing experience. Additionally, the Box Royals produce a higher pitched sound profile, adding an extra level of satisfaction to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its budget-friendly excellence in the world of linear switches. These switches offer a polished and creamy typing experience, with a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a pleasantly bouncy feel. Both switches have their own merits and drawbacks, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. As a result, typing on switches with nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Therefore, these switches produce contrasting sound profiles, with the Box Royal offering a duller and rounder sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow produces a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Box Royal and G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilize nylon, resulting in similar qualities. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both switches with nylon bottom housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon bottom housing of these switches enhances the overall typing experience, providing a satisfying auditory feedback.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in these switches affects the sound profiles when both pressing down and releasing a key. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller experience. On the other hand, the top housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. The softer nylon top housing of the Box Royal will result in a more muffled and rounded sound upon key release, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will create a sharper and more resonant sound when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces can provide valuable insights. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow which requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Royal is heavier with a force of 70 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 67 grams. This makes the Box Royal's typing experience feel more substantial, as users need to exert a slightly higher force to fully press the keys. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a lighter actuation force, allowing users to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. Despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, ensuring a satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. Therefore, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the two switches, they offer similar results in terms of the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Box Royal has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance is considered the most traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Royal is more shallow and is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. If you value responsiveness, the Box Royal would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a deeper feel and more substantial key press, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its 4 mm travel distance would be the more suitable option. Both options have their advantages and it ultimately depends on individual preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, both switches produce a high-pitched sound when pressed. This means that they both have sharp and crisp sound profiles. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal is known for its sharp tactile feedback. This means that it has a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as having a polished and creamy feel. This indicates that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. It may also have lubricant applied in the factory, providing a buttery sensation and effortless keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow offer different subjective qualities. The Box Royal provides a sharp and aggressive tactility, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and creamy feel. Both switches produce a high-pitched sound when pressed. However, the final sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these subjective qualities and individual preferences when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a strong and aggressive tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Royal would be the ideal switch for you. With its sharp and binary tactility, these switches provide a satisfying and distinctive feel with each keypress. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal delivers a relatively higher pitched sound.
On the other hand, if you are working with a budget and prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the way to go. With its polished finish and potentially factory lubed switches, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers reduced friction and smooth key travel. Moreover, if you enjoy a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, these switches provide a clean and sharp auditory experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow will depend on your preferences and priorities. Whether you prioritize a strong tactile feedback and a higher-pitched sound profile (Box Royal) or a smooth and polished typing experience with potentially factory lubed switches and a higher-pitched, resonant sound profile (G Pro 3.0 Yellow), both switches have their own unique advantages. Consider your typing style, preferences, and budget to make the best decision for yourself.
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