Kailh Box Royal vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the TKC Kiwi. The Box Royal is known for its incredibly tactile feel, offering a sharp and binary tactility that is perfect for those who prefer a more aggressive typing experience. Additionally, the Box Royal produces a relatively higher pitched sound profile, adding a distinct auditory element to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches are designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These switches offer a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, creating an immersive typing experience. With factory lubrication, the Kiwi switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the TKC Kiwi switches differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box Royal features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Kiwi switches utilize UHWMPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) for both the top and bottom housing. This newer material produces a bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. As a result, the Kiwi switches provide a more vibrant and crisp sound compared to the Box Royal.
The impact of the different housing materials can also be felt when pressing down on the switches. The Box Royal's nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nylon plastic absorbs more impact, resulting in a cushioned and less harsh experience when bottoming out keys. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing adds to the overall brightness of the switch's sound. The material's stiffness allows for a more defined bottom-out sound, enhancing the tactile feedback while typing.
When it comes to releasing a key, the top housing material plays a more prominent role in determining the sound. With the Kailh Box Royal's nylon top housing, the switch produces a deeper and fuller sound when keys are released. The nylon material absorbs sound, creating a slightly muted and rounded sound profile. In comparison, the TKC Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing contributes to a brighter sound signature when keys are released. The material's resonance properties add a crisp and resonant clack to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In summary, while both the Kailh Box Royal and the TKC Kiwi switches utilize different housing materials, they offer unique benefits in terms of sound. The Box Royal's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE housing produces a brighter and more vibrant sound. The bottom housing material also affects the tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys, with the Box Royal's nylon resulting in a cushioned bottom-out and the Kiwi's UHWMPE offering a more defined and tactile experience. Conversely, the top housing material determines the sound when keys are released, with the Box Royal's nylon creating a subdued sound and the Kiwi's UHWMPE contributing to a resonant and clacky sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it becomes evident that both switches offer a similar experience. The actuation force of the Box Royal is slightly heavier at 45 grams, while the Kiwi requires 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Royal is 70 grams, whereas the Kiwi requires slightly less at 67 grams. These numbers classify both switches as medium-heavy, ensuring a substantial typing experience for users. Therefore, individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find satisfaction in either switch selection, while those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience can indulge in the slightly heavier forces provided by both switches.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have different travel distances. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Box Royal falls on the shallower side at 3.6 mm, while the Kiwi is closer to the standard 4.0 mm. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so if you prioritize responsiveness, the Box Royal would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a switch with a more substantial depth, the Kiwi's longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00.
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
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp, binary tactility. This means that when you press a key with these switches, you will feel a strong and distinct tactile bump. In terms of sound, the Box Royal has a relatively higher pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is designed to provide a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It is described as an accented switch, which means it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The Kiwi switch also has a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, delivering an immersive typing experience. These switches are lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and TKC Kiwi switches have different subjective qualities. The Box Royal offers an aggressive and sharp tactility with a higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Kiwi provides a medium-strong bump with a satisfyingly snappy sound. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a sharp and aggressive tactility, the Box Royal is a suitable choice, while the Kiwi offers a medium-strong tactility with a snappy sound.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a sharp and aggressive tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Royal would be the perfect choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, providing a satisfyingly intense tactile bump with each keypress. Additionally, the higher pitched sound profile of the Box Royal adds to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more moderate and immersive typing experience, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be a great option. With a bottom-out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each keypress. The snappy sound profile of the Kiwi enhances the overall typing experience, delivering a satisfying and immersive feel.
In terms of sound, the Box Royal has a high-pitched sound profile, while the Kiwi has a low-pitched sound profile. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Box Royal is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Kiwi would be a better choice. If you're looking for a neutral sound profile that suits most purposes, the Kiwi also offers that option.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal has a sharp tactile feedback, providing a strong and distinct tactile bump with every keypress. On the other hand, the Kiwi offers a stepped and accented tactile feedback, giving a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The Kiwi switches are also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the TKC Kiwi tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. If you're seeking an aggressive tactile feedback and higher pitched sound profile, go for the Box Royal. If you prefer a more moderate and immersive typing experience with a lower-pitched sound profile, the Kiwi would be the better option. Consider the feel and sound preferences that align with your typing style and choose the switch that suits you best.
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