Kailh Box Royal vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to choose, the Kailh Box Royal and Jerrzi Orange offer distinctive options for different preferences. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp and aggressive tactility, ideal for those seeking a highly tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange stands out as a clacky linear switch, known for its feather-light feel and crisp, audible feedback with each keystroke. While the Box Royal excels in providing a pronounced tactile sensation, the Jerrzi Orange offers a smooth and responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal uses a combination of nylon for its top housing and bottom housing, creating a deep and fuller sound due to the absorbent nature of the softer plastic. In contrast, the Jerrzi Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in housing materials gives each switch a unique acoustic characteristic, with the Box Royal offering a duller, rounder sound compared to the Orange's more clear and resonant sound.
Despite the difference in top housing materials, both the Kailh Box Royal and the Jerrzi Orange feature nylon for their bottom housing. This similarity in material means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, making this shared material choice crucial in determining the overall typing experience of each switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box Royal and the Jerrzi Orange differ in material, they both offer distinct sound profiles based on their respective housing materials. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings mean that the feel and sound of each switch will be influenced by both the softer nylon and stiffer polycarbonate materials. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile with a duller tone from the Box Royal or a sharper, crisper sound profile with clearer resonance from the Orange, the choice of housing material plays a key role in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jerrzi Orange linear switch. The Box Royal requires 45 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Orange only needs 37 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, with the bottom out force being unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Orange may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier forces of the Box Royal provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who value quick response times, especially in gaming. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, but those who are more sensitive to these subtle variations might find the Box Royal to be slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Orange switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the overall feel of the switch when typing or gaming. Both switches offer a similar level of responsiveness and performance, so users can expect comparable results regardless of which one they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 is known for its high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch offers a more subdued sound with a hint of clackiness, creating a lively and responsive typing experience. If you prefer a louder, more prominent sound, the Box Royal may be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a slightly quieter yet still audible typing experience, the Orange switch could be more to your liking.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by its sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and distinct bump with each key press. Conversely, the Jerrzi Orange switch provides a feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. If you prefer a switch that offers a more intense and pronounced tactile response, the Box Royal may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you value a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Orange switch could be the better option for you.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal switch and the Jerrzi Orange switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal provides a high-pitched sound and sharp tactile feedback, ideal for those who prefer a more aggressive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch delivers a slightly subdued yet clacky sound and a lighter, feathery feel, making it a great choice for users seeking a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you value a sharp, aggressive tactile feedback and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, clacky linear switch with a more subdued sound, the Jerrzi Orange switch may be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and desired typing experience. Choose wisely to enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
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