Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Jupiter Brown offer two distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Box Royal switches are renowned for their sharp, binary tactility, providing an aggressive feedback that is perfect for those who thrive on a pronounced keystroke response. Their higher-pitched sound profile adds to the overall experience, making each tap feel crisp and satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches present a more traditional keystroke feel, thanks to their medium-heavy weight and single-stage spring design. These switches balance performance and aesthetics, featuring high-precision molds and softer backlight effects that enhance the overall appeal without compromising reliability. While the Box Royal switches favor those who seek a more intense tactile response, the Jupiter Browns appeal to users who appreciate a polished, mild tactility paired with classic keystroke familiarity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Jupiter Brown switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, contributing to the varying sound profiles and typing experiences they offer. The Kailh Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. It absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which can enhance the comfort of typing for users who prefer a more muted response. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer composition of polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonance, making the typing experience more lively and pronounced, especially in environments where each keystroke's clarity is essential.

In contrast, both switches share the same material for their bottom housing—nylon. This similarity means that the tactile feedback and sound profile when bottoming out on either switch will likely feel and sound similar. The nylon bottom housing provides a consistent experience, absorbing sound and contributing to a deeper, fuller auditory feedback with each keypress. As a result, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, users will find that the overall bottom-out experience remains comparable due to the shared nylon composition. This commonality allows typists to appreciate a balanced integration of both deeper tones and sharper sounds when switching between these two models.

When it comes to the combined effects of the materials used in the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Jupiter Brown, the split housing characteristics lead to a unique typing experience. With the Box Royal's nylon top housing softening the sound on key release, contrasted with the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate creating a crisp sound upon keystrokes, users can expect a tailored auditory and tactile experience. Essentially, while the Box Royal's softer nylon may appeal to users seeking a muted sound profile during release, the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top offers a sharper auditory feedback that some may prefer during active typing. Ultimately, the combination of nylon in the bottom housing unifies the two switches, providing a foundation that allows both to cater to different preferences and satisfy diverse typist needs.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces while their bottom out forces resonate similarly. The Box Royal features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, which is advantageous for extended typing sessions as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, both switches share an identical bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating that both switches bottom out with the same level of resistance when fully pressed down. This commonality in bottom out force suggests that while the typing experience may differ, the final resistance when reaching the bottom is consistent across both options. For users seeking a lighter touch, the Kailh Box Royal is preferable, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel should gravitate towards the Gateron Jupiter Brown.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Kailh Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional longer travel distances. This difference in travel distance means that users who prefer a more responsive and rapid keypress may lean towards the Kailh Box Royal, as its shorter distance allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback and deeper feel in their keypresses may find the Gateron Jupiter Brown more appealing due to its longer travel distance. Thus, depending on individual preferences for responsiveness or depth, the choice between these switches will yield distinctly different typing experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched tone that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback and want to avoid the richer, bass-heavy profiles found in some other switches. In contrast, while the sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Brown is not detailed, it generally shares a more subdued and traditional auditory quality typical of classic tactile switches. The combined sound experience can vary based on the keyboard’s construction and keycap choice, which means both switches can potentially deliver satisfying experiences depending on your setup.

In terms of feel, the Box Royal excels with its sharp tactile feedback, offering a pronounced and aggressive bump that can be felt distinctly with each keystroke. This intensity appeals to enthusiasts who seek a heightened typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch has a more mild and polished feel. It combines a gentle tactile response with a smooth keystroke, making it approachable for a broader range of users. The stepped tactile nature of the Jupiter Brown introduces a smoother transition throughout the keypress, in contrast to the robust feedback of the Box Royal. Therefore, while the Box Royal provides an engaging and intense tactile experience, the Jupiter Brown strikes a balance between comfort and refined performance.

In conclusion, if you're deciding between the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches, you'll find distinct differences in both sound and feel. The Box Royal is ideal for those who crave aggressive tactile feedback and a sharper auditory response, while the Jupiter Brown suits users looking for a more subdued, polished, and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences in tactile feedback and sound, as each switch caters to different typing styles and environments.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch should come down to your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you’re seeking a distinctly sharp and aggressive tactile sensation that delivers robust feedback with every keystroke, the Box Royal is the ideal choice for you. Its high-pitched sound and pronounced sharpness make it perfect for those who thrive on that intense keystroke feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience with a mild tactile response, the Jupiter Brown is your go-to switch. It combines traditional elements with modern enhancements, offering a polished touch that makes it approachable for most users, along with softer backlight effects that add a nice aesthetic layer. In short, think about how aggressive or subtle you want your typing experience to be, as well as whether you favor high-pitched auditory feedback or a more muted sound profile to arrive at the right switch for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more