Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Ink Red 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 Red. The Box Royal is renowned for its unparalleled tactility, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an intense and satisfying typing experience. With a sharp and binary tactility, these switches provide an almost aggressive tactile feedback. Additionally, their higher pitched sound profile adds a distinct auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch that stands out for its lower actuation force. Ideal for individuals with a lighter typing style, these switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Ink Reds are known for their crispy and clacky sound profile, which adds a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. These switches fall under the categories of neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision to find the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Ink Red have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Red employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Although not overly sharp, this blend gives the Ink Red a satisfying thin and clacky sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches again utilize different materials. The Box Royal's nylon bottom housing contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, much like its top housing counterpart. With its softer plastic construction, the nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red boasts Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which provides a pointed and relatively higher-pitched sound. This blend adds to the overall clacky feel of the switch, enhancing the satisfaction of keystrokes.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play distinct roles in the overall sound experience of a switch. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Ink Red have different housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that can be enjoyed during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a difference. The Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Ink Red has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing or gaming sessions. In terms of weight, the Box Royal is considered medium-heavy, while the Ink Red falls into the medium category. Therefore, depending on individual preferences, one may opt for the Kailh Box Royal for a heavier and more solid typing experience, while the Gateron Ink Red is a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter feel during extended periods of typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch differ by 0.4 mm. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. The traditional travel distance for switches is 4 mm, while anything shorter is considered more responsive. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. So, if you value quick reactions, the Box Royal with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Ink Red's longer travel distance may be more suitable. It is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the appropriate switch, as some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on the desired level of responsiveness and depth preferred by the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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 produces a high-pitched sound when pressed. This switch gives a sharp and crisp sound profile, which may be appealing to those who prefer a more distinctive and pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch has a neutral sound profile, meaning it falls within a moderate range. It doesn't have any specific characteristics that make it stand out in terms of sound, but it offers a satisfying and crisp "chirpy" sound, which sets it apart from other switches. 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 provides an intense and sharp tactile feedback. Its tactile bump is strong and distinct, giving a highly noticeable feedback with each keystroke. This switch is well-suited for those who prefer a more aggressive and prominent tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch offers a silky smooth typing experience. It is exceptionally smooth and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This switch falls into the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience that can be appreciated by most users. Additionally, the Ink Red switch is polished, resulting in a sleek and refined finish, further enhancing the smoothness of the typing feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switch is best suited for individuals who desire an extremely tactile typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile. It offers a sharp and binary tactility, making it perfect for those seeking an aggressive feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch is ideal for individuals with a lighter typing style. It provides a satisfyingly smooth feel, offers a crisp and clacky sound profile, and is effortless to type on. While the Box Royal and Ink Red switches differ in their tactile feedback and sound characteristics, both switches deliver high-quality performance in their respective areas. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a sharp and crisp sound, go for the Box Royal. If you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Ink Red is a great choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for an incredibly tactile experience, the Kailh Box Royal switches are the perfect choice for you. With their sharp and binary tactility, these switches provide a satisfyingly intense feedback with each keypress. Additionally, if you prefer a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal switches will deliver. On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red switches are the way to go. With their lower actuation force and silky feel, these switches offer exceptional smoothness and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They also have a crisp and clacky sound profile, with a unique chirpy signature. Overall, both switches have their own strengths depending on your preferences, so ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Ink Red switches.
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