Kailh Box Royal vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the Keygeek Keylin. The Box Royal, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its sharp and binary tactility, providing users with a pronounced feedback that is nearly aggressive—perfect for those who appreciate a distinct sensation with each keystroke. Additionally, its higher-pitched sound profile adds an auditory dimension to the typing experience. Conversely, the Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, offers a smoother and more seamless action, crafted from new molds by Keygeek to enhance its premium feel and acoustic richness. This makes it an ideal choice for users seeking a quiet and fluid typing experience without the tactile bump. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you thrive on tactile feedback or value a smooth journey through each keypress. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Keygeek Keylin, one can observe a striking similarity in their construction. Both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, a material that is well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community. The use of nylon in both switches contributes to a notably deeper and fuller sound profile during typing sessions. The material's softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a tonal quality that is characterized by a duller and rounder sound. This uniformity in housing material ensures that users of either switch will experience a similar auditory sensation, regardless of which switch they opt for.
Moreover, the impact of the nylon construction extends to the overall feel and sound during key activation and release. As both switches have nylon housings, they share a common tactile experience characterized by a smooth keypress and a muted bottom-out sound. This shared property creates a level of consistency between the Kailh Box Royal and Keygeek Keylin, allowing users to expect a comparable typing experience. Additionally, since both switches feature the same housing material for both the top and bottom, the acoustic properties are balanced and matched, which means that no drastic changes will occur in the sound profile depending on which part of the switch you engage with.
However, it is important to note that while both the Box Royal and Keylin utilize the same nylon material, the overall performance and characteristics of each switch may vary depending on other design aspects, such as the switch mechanism or the type of actuation. The qualities of the nylon housing manifest differently for the response of each switch, particularly in how they handle the bottom-out sound and feel versus the release sound. Nonetheless, the foundational similarity of the nylon material in both switches means that anyone familiar with one will find the experience with the other to be quite familiar and enjoyable, leading to similar results in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch to the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Royal features a stiffer actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, characterizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Keylin has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it distinctly lighter. This disparity means that while the Box Royal may provide a more substantial push feel appreciated by those who prefer a heavier switch, the Keylin is more suitable for users who favor a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, if you're looking for a softer experience, the Keylin would be the better choice, while the Box Royal is ideal for those who enjoy a firmer keypress.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in a similar typing experience when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a consistent feel across both switches, making them a suitable choice for those who enjoy a tactile response without sacrificing travel distance. As a result, individuals switching between these two options won't notice a significant difference in the distance they need to press to actuate the keys, providing a seamless transition for typing and gaming alike.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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 tactile switch has a distinct high-pitched profile that produces a sharp and crisp noise with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more defined auditory feedback without the deeper, bassy sounds that some other switches deliver. The Box Royal’s high frequency can contrast nicely against a broader sound palette, making it feel lively and energetic. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch remains unspecified; however, it is noted to provide a rich acoustic experience, which suggests a smoother, more subdued auditory response compared to the Box Royal. Ultimately, the sound experience may vary significantly based on the keyboard build and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal excels with its sharply defined tactile bump. This switch is characterized by its aggressive tactility, providing immediate and intense feedback with every key press. This ensures that typists can easily discern when a key has been actuated, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate a strong tactile response. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch offers a smooth typing experience, which typically means it lacks the pronounced tactile feedback of the Box Royal. While the absence of tactile bumps can lead to a quieter typing experience, it still generally results in a fluid keypress that many users find satisfying. The feel of Keylin switches would be less about tactile feedback and more about the overall smoothness of the keystroke.
In summary, while the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is defined by its high-pitched, sharp sound and aggressive tactile feedback, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch emphasizes a rich auditory experience and exceptional smoothness, though specifics on its sound profile remain unclear. For users who seek a pronounced tactile sensation and clear auditory feedback, the Box Royal is an ideal choice. Conversely, those who prefer a more fluid and seamless typing experience may gravitate toward the Keylin linear switch. Ultimately, the best switch depends on personal preference, as both options offer unique qualities that cater to differing typing styles and sounds.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feel with a significant feedback intensity, and you appreciate a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams can provide a satisfying typing experience, making it well-suited for those who prefer a more robust response while typing or gaming. Conversely, if you favor a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Keygeek Keylin switch is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, it offers an effortless keystroke complemented by its rich acoustic profile, making it ideal for long typing sessions or for those who prefer a quieter, more subdued sound environment. Thus, your decision should align with how you prioritize tactile feedback and sound in your typing experience; both switches offer distinct advantages for different styles of use.
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