Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Glory Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Glory Yellow present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Box Royal stands out for its sharp and pronounced tactile feedback, providing a nearly aggressive tactile experience that many typists and gamers appreciate for its clear actuation point; its higher-pitched sound profile adds an auditory element that enhances the typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a smooth, linear keystroke that emphasizes a fluid motion without the tactile bump, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter and more consistent feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in tactility and sound—whether you yearn for the assertive feedback of the Box Royal or the seamless glide of the Glory Yellow. 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

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$6.25 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Glory Yellow, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This uniform choice in material means that both switches are likely to produce a similar sound profile, characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic compared to more rigid materials, absorbs sound effectively, which helps mitigate harshness and creates a richer, more rounded auditory output. Users can expect to find that both switches have a satisfying noise profile when typing, with the differences in sound being potentially negligible due to the identical housing material.

Furthermore, the implications of nylon's properties extend beyond just sound; they also influence the tactile feel of the switches. Since both the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Glory Yellow incorporate nylon for both their top and bottom housings, typists will likely experience a consistent tactile response throughout the actuation and bottom-out processes. The softer nature of nylon additionally contributes to a smoother keystroke, reducing the sensation of a jarring impact when the key is fully pressed down or released. Therefore, switch enthusiasts can appreciate that if the housing materials are both similar, they should yield comparable feedback and sound characteristics.

In summary, the shared use of nylon in both the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Glory Yellow reinforces the notion that users will receive a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While nuances may still exist related to design and internal components that could affect actuation force or responsiveness, the fundamental characteristics influenced by the housing materials are largely aligned. Therefore, individuals selecting between these two options can anticipate a harmonious balance of auditory depth and tactile comfort, thanks largely to the inherent properties of nylon employed in both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Box Royal features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it relatively easier to press compared to the Glory Yellow, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference makes the Box Royal a better choice for those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Box Royal has a definitive bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a substantial feel when the switch is fully pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow's bottom out force is currently unknown, leaving potential users without a clear understanding of its overall resistance when bottoming out. Therefore, while the Box Royal offers a medium-heavy tactile experience with a complete specification, the Glory Yellow may appeal to those who prefer a slight increase in actuation force, albeit with less clarity on bottoming out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, the distinctions are quite clear. The Box Royal features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Glory Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Box Royal the shorter of the two, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances often enable faster actuation. On the other hand, the Glory Yellow, with its more traditional 4 mm travel distance, can provide a deeper and more gradual feel that some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you lean towards a snappier action, the Kailh Box Royal would be the better choice, while the Gateron Glory Yellow would cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch boasts a high-pitched sound profile that produces a sharp, crisp noise when pressed. This characteristic is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. The clarity of the sound can enhance the typing experience, allowing every keystroke to be distinctly recognized. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch lacks a specified sound profile, leaving the auditory feedback likely to be less emphasized compared to the Box Royal. However, it's worth noting that sound perception can vary greatly depending on the keyboard's design and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is celebrated for its sharp and pronounced tactile feedback. The strong, binary tactility ensures that users experience a defined bump with each keypress, making it suitable for those who enjoy a tactile sensation that's almost aggressive. Contrastingly, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch does not have a detailed description available for feel, but being part of a linear switch lineup typically suggests a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience without a noticeable tactile bump, offering a different typing dynamic.

In summary, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch provide distinctly different tactile and auditory experiences. The Box Royal's sharp, high-pitched sound and aggressive tactile feedback cater to users looking for pronounced feedback and engagement during typing. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the Glory Yellow remains unspecified, it likely aims for a smoother experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize sharp tactile sensations and crisp sound or a smoother, quieter keystroke.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you're someone who thrives on tactile feedback and enjoys a pronounced, sharp response with each keystroke, the Box Royal is the clear choice for you. Its aggressive tactility and high-pitched sound profile can enhance your typing experience, making every keypress feel satisfying and deliberate, which can be particularly beneficial for typing-intensive tasks or gaming where precision matters. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow might be more appealing. With its enjoyable keystroke and pleasant travel distance, it delivers a fluid typing experience that many find easy on the fingers, particularly during long typing sessions. Ultimately, weigh your desire for tactile feedback against the need for a smooth, uninterrupted flow, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and sound preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more