Kailh Box Royal vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Neo Lavender HE offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Box Royal, celebrated for its incredibly pronounced tactile feedback, provides a sharp, almost aggressive tactility that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced actuation point during every keystroke. This feature, combined with its higher-pitched sound profile, delivers a unique auditory and tactile satisfaction that can enhance typing accuracy and engagement. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE delivers a smoother and quieter experience, standing out with its clean, low sound. Ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a less intrusive auditory footprint, it employs hall effect technology to offer a reliable and consistent keystroke without the sharp feedback of traditional tactile switches. Choosing between these two boils down to personal preference: the Box Royal invites you to feel each keypress with precision, while the Lavender HE provides a seamless and understated experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$6.25 per 10

$4.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Neo Lavender HE switches, both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This common choice means that both switches are likely to produce similar auditory experiences owing to the properties of nylon. Specifically, the softer nature of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic signature. This shared material allows users to expect a comparable sound quality, making either switch a suitable choice for those who prioritize a less harsh typing experience and a satisfying auditory feel.

While both the Kailh Box Royal and Neo Lavender HE utilize nylon in both the top and bottom housings, it's important to note that the impact of these materials will differ based on their placement within the switch. The bottom housing tends to influence the bottom-out sound and the overall feel of the switch during use. Thus, even though the same material is employed, the user experience may vary based on how these switches are tuned in terms of actuation and feedback. It's possible that any differences in design, such as spring characteristics or weight, could enhance or diminish certain sonic characteristics during both keypress and release.

Consequently, the result of using nylon in both sets of housings implies that both the Kailh Box Royal and the Neo Lavender HE switches can deliver a rich and deep sound profile, appealing to users looking for a mellow typing experience. However, the nuances of user feedback relating to the bottom-out and release sounds will largely depend on each switch's unique overall design, despite the material uniformity. This intricate blend of design choices and material properties ensures that, while users may perceive similarities in sound between the two, their tactile experiences might diverge significantly, illustrating how housing materials alone do not dictate the totality of a switch’s performance.

Weight

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, where a lighter touch is preferable. Thus, the Lavender HE is the lighter switch, while the Box Royal is the heavier one. The differing forces also mean that users looking for a tactile feel with more resistance may gravitate towards the Box Royal, while those seeking a less strenuous keyboard experience might favor the Lavender HE.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Box Royal is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers looking for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Lavender HE with its increased travel distance provides a more substantial depth, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a fuller sensation when typing. In summary, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Kailh Box Royal’s shorter travel distance would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a deeper press might find the Neo Lavender HE more satisfying.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when actuated. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a brighter auditory experience, especially if they are not fond of deep, bassy tones characteristic of other switches. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offers a clean, low sound that makes it distinct in comparison to traditional mechanical switches. While the Box Royal brings a sharper auditory feedback, the Lavender HE provides a more subdued and refined sound, which creates a different typing atmosphere that may appeal to those seeking a quieter experience.

When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Box Royal switch excels in delivering a sharp tactile response. Its aggressive tactile bump ensures a high feedback intensity with each keypress, making it highly satisfying for users who seek a pronounced tactile sensation. The intensity and distinctiveness of its actuation can enhance typing speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the feel of the Lavender HE switch is currently unknown, making it difficult to draw a comparison. However, given the Box Royal's unequivocal tactile nature, it’s clear that it targets those who enjoy robust feedback.

In conclusion, while the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch provides a high-pitched sound and sharp tactile feedback, perfect for users who savor aggressive keypresses, the Neo Lavender HE switch is characterized by its clean, low sound profile. Unfortunately, the feel of the Lavender HE remains undetermined, leaving some uncertainty for potential users. If you're after pronounced tactile feedback and an audibly crisp experience, Box Royals could be your best choice. However, if you prefer a quieter, less intrusive typing experience, the Lavender HE may be worth exploring further, once more details about its tactile feel are available.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch will depend largely on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and typing experience. If you crave a pronounced tactile experience, the Box Royal's sharp and binary tactility will provide you with a distinct and aggressive feel that is perfect for typing or gaming where feedback is critical. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams also means you’ll have a more substantial feel under your fingers, which some users find rewarding. Additionally, if you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile that gives a crisp auditory feedback, the Box Royal is your go-to choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch while typing and enjoy a more subtle tactile response, the Neo Lavender HE switches are an excellent choice. With a light 50 grams actuation force and a cleaner, lower sound, these switches are ideal for those who want a smoother experience without overwhelming feedback. They are particularly suited for projects requiring precision, such as programming or prolonged typing sessions, where you may benefit from the ease of actuation and comfort over long periods. Overall, your decision should reflect your comfort, activity type, and auditory preference, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more