Kailh Box Royal vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and Huano Grape Orange offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Kailh Box Royal, known for its unparalleled sharp and binary tactility, provides an aggressive feedback that tactile enthusiasts often crave. This switch not only delivers a pronounced tactile bump but also produces a higher-pitched sound, enhancing the overall sensory experience of typing. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange offers a smooth, linear action characterized by an ultra-light 40g actuation force, making it an ideal option for users seeking a comfortable and effortless typing experience, especially during long sessions. While the Box Royal appeals to those who appreciate a more defined tactile response, the Grape Orange caters to users who prioritize ease and fluidity in their keystrokes. 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

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$6.25 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Huano Grape Orange switches, one of the most notable differences is in their top housings. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's unique composition, as it is a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound waves rather than reflect them. Consequently, when typing on the Box Royal switches, users can expect a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Grape Orange is fitted with a polycarbonate top housing, known for generating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity allows for greater resonance, leading to crisper audio feedback. So, while both materials contribute differently to the sound experience, users will notice the contrasting auditory profiles directly tied to their respective top housing materials.

The bottom housings of the two switches, however, exhibit a striking similarity, as both the Box Royal and Grape Orange utilize nylon for this component. The shared use of nylon means that the bottom-out sound and feel for both switches will likely elicit a deeper and fuller typing experience. This is primarily because nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and more rounded sound profile when a key is pressed down. Therefore, even though the top housings diverge in material and sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housings provide cohesion in terms of auditory depth and tactile feedback. Users familiar with either switch will appreciate the dependable and consistent sound that comes from their nylon base.

This interplay between the differing top housings and similar bottom housings highlights how the overall typing experience can yield a blend of sound profiles. Users who prioritize sound quality may find that the unique characteristics of each switch come into play during different phases of key activation; the Box Royal’s nylon top will cater to those desiring a more subdued sound upon release, while the Grape Orange’s polycarbonate top will provide a lively and bright sound. However, regardless of the chosen switch, the nylon bottom will anchor the audible experience with its inherent acoustic properties. Ultimately, while the materials differ, the unique orchestrations of sound during both the actuation and release of keys will still deliver enjoyable and distinctive experiences across both Kailh Box Royal and Huano Grape Orange switches.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Royal features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Grape Orange is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch may favor the Grape Orange switch, which allows for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. Conversely, the Box Royal’s heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial and tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Box Royal is indeed heavier than the Grape Orange.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar keypress depth when using either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that the feel of pressing down on keys will be consistent, regardless of which switch is employed. Therefore, the tactile feedback of the Box Royal and the smooth action of the Grape Orange can provide a comparable typing experience for users seeking a specific key travel feel.

Price comparison

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 upon actuation. This characteristic makes it well-suited for users who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback that doesn't lean towards the deeper, more resonant tones of other switches. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch remain less defined, leaving a gap in comparison. However, it's important to note that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard’s overall design, including the type of board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal offers a pronounced tactile experience with a sharp feedback that users can distinctly feel with every keypress, showcasing a strong and aggressive tactile bump. This level of tactile feedback is ideal for those who favor a more intense typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switch lacks a discernible tactile bump, providing a smooth and linear feel with an ultra-light actuation force of only 40g. This design aims to make typing effortless, especially over long durations, appealing to users who prefer a more fluid keypress without the interruption of a tactile response.

In summary, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch delivers a crisp high-pitched sound and a sharp tactile feel, making it perfect for users who value feedback and auditory cues in their typing experience. In contrast, while the sound profile of the Grape Orange switch is yet to be defined, it offers a smooth linear feel that emphasizes lightness and comfort, particularly for those who type for extended periods. Both switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community; users who lean toward tactile feedback will likely appreciate the Box Royal, while those seeking a seamless, lighter typing experience may find the Grape Orange more to their liking.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch will largely depend on your typing style and preferences. If you crave a pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy a more engaged typing experience, the Box Royal will serve you well. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams and sharp, high-pitched sound profile create a responsive and satisfying feel, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a tactile bump and are looking for something with a stronger feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a softer, lighter touch during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange is your best bet. With an actuation force of just 40 grams and a linear design, you can expect effortless key presses that minimize finger fatigue, allowing for comfortable and speedy typing over extended periods. Essentially, choose the Box Royal for a more tactile and assertive experience, and the Grape Orange if you prefer a smooth and light feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more