Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Ink Black V2 offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Box Royal is hailed for its unparalleled tactility, providing a sharp and aggressive feel for those who crave a pronounced tactile experience. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile of these switches adds an extra layer of satisfaction. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a beloved linear switch that has stood the test of time within the community. It boasts a smooth downstroke and emits a rich clack while typing. With a sound profile that is categorized as low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a different auditory experience compared to the Kailh Box Royal. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affects the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing. This unique blend produces a pointed, high-pitched sound profile that is not exceedingly sharp. The satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound of the INK blend is often described as clacky. Thus, the two switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different housing materials.
While the Box Royal and Ink Black V2 switches have contrasting sound profiles, there are also similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The relatively soft nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a rounder sound profile. However, the switches differ when it comes to their top housing materials. The Box Royal incorporates a nylon top housing, which further enhances the deep and full sound. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 implements a proprietary INK blend top housing, producing a thinner and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. Therefore, while the bottom housing materials contribute to similar sound characteristics, the top housing materials yield distinct results.
The effect of the housing materials in switches can be felt when pressing down on the keys and when releasing them. In the case of the Box Royal, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing are more pronounced during bottom-out. This means that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel experienced when fully pressing a key. On the other hand, the top housing of the switch, whether nylon or the proprietary INK blend, plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction emphasizes how the different housing materials influence the overall typing experience. Whether it is the deeper and fuller sound of the Box Royal's nylon housing or the satisfying thin and higher-pitched clack of the Ink Black V2's INK blend, the housing materials ensure that each switch offers a distinct and noticeable sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, they exhibit similar results in terms of bottom out force, both requiring a medium-heavy force of 70 grams. However, they differ in their actuation force. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch and a longer typing duration. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a stronger push feel for those who desire a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, when choosing between the two, weight becomes a crucial factor to consider, as lighter switches can be advantageous for extended periods of typing or gaming, while heavier switches cater to individuals who prefer a more forceful keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, we can see that the Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Black V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ink Black V2 being slightly longer. If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal may be more preferable. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 may be the better option. It ultimately depends on personal preference and the level of responsiveness desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 has a higher-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as having a low-pitched sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 has a unique chirpy characteristic, setting it apart from other switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving to the feel, the Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It offers a strong and crisp tactile bump that is highly noticeable with every keypress. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 switch provides a milder typing experience. It falls into the safe middle ground, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Ink Black V2 is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking into account the available information, the Kailh Box Royal switch is ideal for those seeking an almost aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile. It offers a sharp tactile bump and a relatively high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is a classic linear switch offering a smooth downstroke, a rich clack sound, and a milder typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, providing different options for users based on their preferences. If you prefer a more tactile experience, the Box Royal switch would be a suitable choice, while the Ink Black V2 switch offers a smoother and more gentle typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who prefers a highly tactile switch with a sharp and crisp tactile bump, then the Kailh Box Royal switch would be a perfect choice for you. These switches offer an almost aggressive tactility, making them ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback intensity during typing. Additionally, if you appreciate a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal switch delivers a relatively higher-pitched sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear switch that offers a gentle typing experience, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch would be a great option for you. With a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound, these switches have been a long-time community favorite. The Ink Black V2 switch falls into the low-pitched category, offering a more mellow and bass-heavy sound profile. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a polished finish, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Ink Black V2 switch delivers a refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches will come down to your personal preference for tactility and sound. Whether you prefer the sharp tactile feedback of the Box Royal or the smooth linear feel of the Ink Black V2, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Consider your preferences for feedback intensity and sound profile when making your choice.
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