Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between different types can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Kailh Box Royal switches, known for their sharp and aggressive tactility, provide a tactile feedback that makes each keystroke feel precise and deliberate, ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation while typing. The high-pitched sound profile adds an additional auditory layer, appealing to users who appreciate an audible confirmation of their inputs. In contrast, the HMX KD200 switches, recognized for being the clackiest member of their switch family, offer a smoother typing experience with their linear design. These switches allow for rapid key presses without any tactile bump, making them perfect for gamers who value speed and consistency over tactile feedback. While the Box Royals cater to tactile enthusiasts seeking pronounced feedback, the KD200 is suitable for those who prefer a more fluid typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and HMX KD200 both feature nylon as their primary housing material, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall typing experience. Nylon is revered in the mechanical keyboard community for its acoustic properties; it is a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound better than harder materials, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This is particularly evident when typing on either switch, as both the Kailh Box Royal and HMX KD200 provide a rounder and less harsh sound during both key presses and releases. Consequently, users can expect a consistently pleasing acoustic signature from both switches due to the shared nylon housing composition.
Moreover, the nylon bottom housing for both the Kailh Box Royal and HMX KD200 further enhances this sound character. Much like the top housing, the bottom housing's material quality contributes to the overall sound profile and keystroke feel. When key presses occur, the softer nylon construction helps mute the sharper noises typically emitted during bottoming out, resulting in a muted thock rather than a clack. Both switches exhibit similar behavior in this regard, demonstrating that the nylon material’s construction plays a crucial role in delivering an enjoyable typing experience. As such, the bottom housing effectively complements the top housing's acoustic nature, allowing the switches to produce harmonious sound properties collectively.
In situations where different top and bottom housings exist, the interaction between these materials could define the switch's behavior further. However, in the case of both the Kailh Box Royal and HMX KD200, the uniformity in housing material allows them to generate similar results. Users can anticipate a cohesive tactile and auditory experience across the key press and release cycle, leaving little differentiation between the two switches in practical use. Overall, both switches exemplify the advantages of using nylon in their housing construction, ultimately resulting in a comparable performance that caters to fans of key boards seeking a rich and subdued soundscape while typing.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces diverge significantly; the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the KD200 features a lighter bottom out force at 50 grams. This means that although both switches require the same force to register a press, the Box Royal provides a more substantial feeling upon full depression, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the KD200’s lighter bottom out force allows for a softer landing, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Therefore, if you enjoy a firmer feedback while typing, the Box Royal is the way to go, whereas the KD200 is better suited for those seeking a gentler touch, especially during lengthy use.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX KD200 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Box Royal offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the KD200. For users who prefer a more traditional typing experience with greater depth, the Kailh Box Royal might be the better choice, as its longer travel can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX KD200, with its shorter travel distance, could cater to gamers or those who favor quicker response times, resulting in a more immediate actuation but potentially feeling more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Box Royal's marginally longer distance may enhance the tactile experience for those who favor a deeper key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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 offers a distinctly high-pitched sound profile. This results in a sharp and crisp auditory feedback when the switch is pressed, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a sound that cuts through any richer or bass-heavy tones found in other switches. On the other hand, while the HMX KD200 belongs to the clackiest switch family, specific details about its sound characteristics beyond that clackiness are not provided. However, it can be inferred that its sound is likely more pronounced and resonant, catering to users who enjoy a livelier acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal is incredibly sharp and tactile, with a notably high feedback intensity. The tactile bump is strong and distinct, providing users with clear and immediate feedback on each keypress, which enhances typing precision and can be satisfying during prolonged use. The feel of the HMX KD200 is less defined in the provided information, but given its categorization as a linear switch, it will likely have a smoother keypress without the pronounced bumps that tactile switches offer. This means an overall different typist experience, with a focus on fluidity rather than tactile feedback.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal switch excels in both sound and tactile feedback, appealing to those looking for a sharp and pronounced typing experience. The KD200, while known for its clackiness, presents a different tactile profile due to its linear nature, making it suitable for users who prefer smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. Overall, these switches cater to diverse preferences, allowing newcomers to choose based on whether they prioritize sharp auditory and tactile feedback or a smoother typing experience with a more resonant sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback with a sharp and aggressive bump, the Box Royal is ideal for you, particularly if you prefer a more pronounced typing experience that can enhance your speed and accuracy. Additionally, its high-pitched sound profile makes it suitable for environments where a louder, clearer feedback is desired. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with less resistance and a lighter touch, the KD200 is the way to go. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort while offering an enjoyable “clacky” sound profile. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you value tactile feedback and sound intensity or a smoother, quieter operation—aligning your choice with your specific use case and personal comfort.
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