Kailh Box Royal vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Kailh BCP present two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different typing preferences. The Box Royal switch is renowned for its sharp and aggressive tactility, delivering a clear feedback with each keystroke that many typists find satisfying. This tactile switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who thrive on audible feedback during intensive typing sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switch embraces a smoother, linear approach, enhanced by custom-molded designs that provide a creamy, elastic feel. This switch not only ensures a bouncy and poppy typing experience but also eliminates the disassembly hassle often associated with other switches, appealing to those who prefer fluid, uninterrupted typing. Both switches cater to specific needs—whether you seek the pronounced feedback of the Box Royal or the seamless experience of the BCP. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh BCP switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, which establishes a common foundation in their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The use of nylon as a housing material is lauded for its softer texture compared to harder plastics; this quality contributes to a deeper, fuller sound when typing. In both switches, this consistent material choice allows for similar auditory feedback, resulting in a mellow and rounded sound character that many users find satisfying. Consequently, when typing on either switch, one can expect to enjoy a comparable aural experience, which clearly highlights the strengths of nylon as a preferred material in mechanical keyboard switches.
Despite both switches boasting nylon housings, the overall feel and performance may still exhibit subtle differences based on other design factors unique to each model. The Kailh Box Royal may feature slight modifications in stem design or spring tension that could alter the tactile feedback and actuation points, whereas the Kailh BCP may provide different specifications in these areas. While the nylon housing ensures a similar sound profile, these nuanced differences in other attributes can lead to variations in feel. Ultimately, while both switches are expected to produce that signature deep sound profile due to their identical housing materials, user preferences will guide the choice between the two based on tactile experience.
The interplay between top and bottom housing materials is essential in switch performance. In both Kailh Box Royal and Kailh BCP switches, the nylon top and bottom housings contribute equally to the deep sound profile articulated during typing. When a user bottoms out on either switch, the bottom housing's properties primarily influence the sound and feel. However, when the key is released, the top housing plays a more pronounced role in modulating sound. Because both switches utilize identical materials for their housings, the overall typing experience can be expected to be resonant and uniform across both models, further solidifying nylon's reputation as a versatile and effective material for crafting satisfying mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch to the Kailh BCP linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Box Royal features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it relatively lighter and providing a tactile feedback that many users enjoy. In contrast, the BCP has a slightly heavier actuation force at 52 grams, but a lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that while the BCP requires a bit more pressure to register a keystroke, it offers a softer feel upon bottoming out compared to the Box Royal. For users who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Box Royal would be more suitable, while those who prefer a heftier keystroke might lean towards the BCP despite its heavier actuation. Overall, the Box Royal is the lighter option, with the BCP being heavier in terms of actuation force but lighter when it comes to bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch have slightly different travel distances, with the Box Royal measuring 3.6 mm and the BCP at 3.5 mm. This makes the BCP the shorter of the two, offering a slight advantage in responsiveness for users who prefer quicker key presses. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the Kailh Box Royal, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying experience. Both switches are relatively close in travel distance, which means that while they offer distinct tactile experiences, the differences in feel may not be dramatic. For users seeking rapid execution in gaming, the BCP's marginally shorter distance may be preferable, while those who appreciate more tactile feedback might lean towards the Box Royal.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 tactile switch offers a distinctly high-pitched tone that provides a sharp and crisp auditory feedback during key presses. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more pronounced sound, distancing itself from the heavier, bassy characteristics found in some other switches. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP linear switch is characterized by its creamy, viscous texture that elicits a poppy and clacky sound profile, delivering a lively acoustic experience with each keystroke. While the Box Royal tends to favor higher frequencies, the BCP presents a more dynamic combination of sounds that can enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal shines with a sharp tactile feedback that delivers a strong and crisp bump with each keypress. This binary tactility creates an aggressive, almost intense sensation as you type, ensuring that every actuation is marked by significant feedback. Conversely, the BCP linear switch brings a unique quality with its elastic and bouncy feel, offering an overall typing experience that is smooth and fluid. This distinction means that while the Box Royal will keep you grounded with its pronounced tactile cues, the BCP encourages a lighter touch that flows seamlessly, making for a different typing rhythm altogether.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Kailh BCP switches present two distinct experiences in sound and feel. The Box Royal is tailored for users seeking sharp, aggressive tactility with a high-pitched acoustic signature, while the BCP offers a more fluid, elastic typing experience accompanied by a lively sound profile. Depending on your preferences for feedback and audio, either switch can be an excellent choice, though they cater to different typist styles. If you're choosing between them, consider what aspects of sound and feel are most critical to your typing enjoyment to ensure you select the switch that best complements your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you gravitate toward a more pronounced tactile feedback and appreciate an aggressive keystroke, the Box Royals are your go-to option. Their sharp, high-pitched sound and distinct tactile bump provide an engaging typing experience that may enhance your productivity and enjoyment, especially if you’re engaged in typing tasks that benefit from conscientious feedback, such as coding or writing. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, more fluid keystroke with a playful essence, the Kailh BCP switches are the way to go. Their creamy, elastic feel offers a softer typing experience coupled with a poppy and clacky sound, making them particularly delightful for gaming or leisurely tasks where you may want a lighthearted and less tactically intense interaction. By evaluating your priorities in terms of tactile feedback and sound profile, you can confidently select the switch that best suits your style and enhances your keyboard experience.
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