Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Ink Box Black. The Box Royal is best known for its extremely tactile nature, offering a sharp and binary tactility that is ideal for those seeking an intense typing experience. Additionally, the higher pitched sound profile adds excitement to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a satisfying typing sensation akin to shaking a spray paint can. The sound signature of the Ink Box Black is also notable, with a clacky, high-pitched tone that is both silky and polished. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you choose the best switch for your 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches differ in composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box Royal utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing. The use of nylon in the switch housing generates a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Box Royal.
In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black employs a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. The INK blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile without being overly sharp. This gives the Ink Box Black a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as being clacky. While the Box Royal's nylon housing provides a softer sound, the INK blend offers a crisper and more distinct sound experience.
However, it is important to note that the impact of the housing materials varies depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing. The bottom housing of the switch has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Thus, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing in the Box Royal and the INK blend bottom housing in the Ink Box Black will affect the typing experience and resulting sound during keystrokes.
On the other hand, the top housing of the switch has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, the nylon top housing in the Box Royal and the INK blend top housing in the Ink Box Black will determine the sound and resonance when the user lets go of a key. While the materials may differ, the overall aim of both housing types is to enhance the sound profile and provide a unique typing experience for the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Box Royal requires a lighter touch at 45 grams compared to the Ink Box Black's 60 grams. This means that the Box Royal is more sensitive and responsive, requiring less force to register a keystroke. On the other hand, both switches have the same bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating that they offer a similar level of resistance when fully pressed.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience would likely gravitate towards the Box Royal due to its lower actuation force. This lighter touch allows for more extended periods of typing, making it ideal for work or marathon gaming sessions. Alternatively, those who value a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Ink Box Black with its higher actuation force. The heavier force provides a satisfying tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel more deliberate and purposeful.
In summary, while the Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and the Ink Box Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, both switches share the same bottom out force of 70 grams. Therefore, for individuals seeking similar results in terms of resistance when fully pressing the keys, either switch would provide a comparable experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Box Royal offering a lighter touch and the Ink Box Black providing a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key equipped with either switch will result in a similar travel experience. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback and an equal amount of distance to feel when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 switch has a relatively higher pitched profile. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Both switches have a high-pitched sound, which makes them suitable for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. These switches provide a high feedback intensity, with a strong and distinct tactile bump that can be felt with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished. This means that they offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ink Box Black switch's polished finish and smooth key travel contribute to an overall sleek typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, it's clear that the Kailh Box Royal switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black switch offer different subjective qualities. The Box Royal switch excels in providing an aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch offers a smooth and creamy feel, with a clacky and high-pitched sound. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall typing experience one is looking for. If an individual prefers a highly tactile and sharp switch, the Box Royal is an excellent choice. Conversely, if someone prioritizes a smooth and polished feel, the Ink Box Black is a great option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values a highly tactile typing experience and prefers a sharp and distinct tactile bump with each keypress, then the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer an aggressive tactility that is unmatched, making them perfect for those who enjoy a strong and crisp feedback intensity. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal switches produce a relatively higher-pitched sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, then the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be a better fit for you. These switches are known for their exceptional smoothness and polished finish, resulting in an overall silky and refined typing experience. The sound signature of the Ink Box Black switches can be described as clacky and high-pitched, which may appeal to those who enjoy a crisp and bright sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch depends on your individual preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. Consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and make your decision accordingly. Whether you opt for the sharp and aggressive tactility of the Box Royal or the smooth and creamy typing experience of the Ink Box Black, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
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