Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference regarding tactile feedback and keypress feel. The Kailh Box Royal switches stand out for their pronounced tactile bump, offering a sharp and binary acknowledgment with each keypress. This makes them an ideal choice for typists who thrive on distinctive feedback and enjoy an engaging, almost aggressive tactile response. Furthermore, the higher-pitched sound profile adds an auditory element to that experience, enhancing the overall interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches provide a different type of satisfaction; characterized by their smooth and continuous keystroke, these switches offer a delightful typing journey with a pleasing travel distance. They cater to users who prefer uninterrupted key presses and a quieter typing experience, making them well-suited for gaming or long typing sessions. Each switch presents its unique advantages depending on your needs—whether you crave the sharp tactility of the Box Royals or the fluidity of the Glory Reds. However, let's dive 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Glory Red switches utilize nylon as their primary housing material for both the top and bottom portions. This choice of nylon is significant, as it helps create a sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. With its softer plastic composition, nylon effectively absorbs sound more than harder materials like polycarbonate. As a result, both switches exhibit a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This similarity in housing materials suggests that users of either switch can expect comparable auditory experiences, particularly in terms of achieving a warmer and mellower sound during use.
Despite the consistent use of nylon in both the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Glory Red switches, the overall tactile and auditory experience can also depend on the design and construction specifics beyond just material alone. Each switch may include variations in the actuation mechanism and stem design, which can affect the feel of the switch when pressed and released. For instance, while both switches will have a similarly rich sound quality, the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound could differ due to their distinct internal mechanics. This could lead to differing preferences among typists, highlighting the nuanced differences that can exist even within switches that share identical housing materials.
Furthermore, the split impact of the top and bottom housings lends itself to a broader understanding of user experience when it comes to these switches. In both the Box Royal and Glory Red, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the overall feel and bottom-out sound, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Although both switches share the soft, sound-absorbing qualities of nylon, the eventual user experience may therefore vary based on the unique interplay of the top and bottom housing mechanics. Ultimately, while the similarity in housing materials sets a solid foundation for sound quality, one must also consider how each switch's distinct design contributes to the overall tactile and auditory profile.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, we find an interesting dynamic in their actuation forces but a notable difference in their bottom-out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally accessible for those who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions, such as at work or during extended gaming. However, the contrast lies in the bottom-out force: the Box Royal has a bottom-out force of 70 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when fully pressed down, while the bottom-out force for the Glory Red is listed as unavailable. This suggests that the Box Royal provides a firmer feedback when bottoming out, which may appeal to users seeking a more tactile typing experience. In summary, the Kailh Box Royal is the heavier option due to its bottom-out force, while both switches maintain the same actuation force, offering a similar typing experience in that regard.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar tactile feedback and performance when using these switches in a keyboard, offering equivalent responsiveness and actuation. Since both switches have the same travel distance, neither is shorter or longer than the other, leading to a consistent experience when compared.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch stands out with its high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced and articulate auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch does not have a specified sound profile, but linear switches are generally known for a quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky options. Consequently, enthusiasts seeking a stealthy typing experience may prefer the Glory Red, especially in environments where noise is a concern. It's important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard plate and keycap material used, adding layers to how these switches might ultimately sound in practice.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal excels with its sharp tactile bump that provides an aggressive tactile feedback upon actuation. This characteristic offers high feedback intensity, making each keypress distinctly noticeable and satisfying for users who appreciate a tactile sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, while not detailed in terms of its tactile characteristics, typically offers a smoother keystroke. Linear switches, by nature, lack the tactile bump, resulting in a seamless and uninterrupted travel that some users may find particularly appealing for fast typing or gaming scenarios.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is an excellent choice for those who prefer a sharp, high-pitched sound and pronounced tactile feedback, ideal for a more aggressive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch provides a quieter, smoother feel that can be appealing for those who want a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and selecting between them will depend on whether one values tactile feedback and sound or prefers a sleek, smooth linear experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box Royal tactile switches and Gateron Glory Red linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you seek a pronounced tactile feedback that provides an aggressive typing experience and enjoy high-pitched sounds, the Box Royal is the ideal choice for you. Its 70-gram bottom-out force ensures that you feel each keystroke distinctively, making it suitable for both typing and gaming where tactile confirmation is beneficial. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear feel with a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Red would be more conducive for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. With its enjoyable keystroke and pleasing travel distance, it allows for quicker key presses without the added tension. Thus, consider what type of feedback and sound profile fits your typing style; whether you crave the sharp tactility of the Box Royal or the effortless motion of the Glory Red, each offers a unique experience tailored to different needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
