Kailh Box Royal vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Light Tactile 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 Durock Light Tactile. The Box Royal switch is renowned for its unparalleled tactility, offering a sharp and binary feedback that is perfect for those seeking an almost aggressive typing experience. Additionally, these switches have a higher-pitched sound profile, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more distinctive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a refreshing contrast with its gentle tactility. Its angelic and jelly-like typing sensation brings about a unique and polished feel, setting it apart from the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. The Light Tactile switch provides a neutral and mild experience, appealing to those who prefer a subtler feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Light Tactile have different top housing materials. The Box Royal uses nylon, while the Light Tactile utilizes polycarbonate. The use of nylon in the Box Royal creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element.
Both switches share the same material for their bottom housing, which is nylon. This similar housing material in both the Box Royal and the Light Tactile contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect a similar outcome in terms of sound when it comes to bottom-out typing.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall sound and feel. The characteristics brought by the bottom housing material are felt when pressing down on the switch and contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing in both the Box Royal and the Light Tactile will provide a similar experience in terms of the feel and sound when typing, while their differing top housings will offer distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Box Royal requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Light Tactile requires 52 grams. Although the Light Tactile requires a slightly heavier actuation force, both switches fall under the medium-heavy category.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Box Royal has a force of 70 grams, whereas the Light Tactile has a force of 67 grams. Here, the Box Royal is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out.
Considering the weight aspect, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for less strain and longer endurance. For those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, a heavier switch is often favored. Both the Box Royal and Light Tactile switches provide a medium-heavy experience, which could offer a good balance between lighter and heavier options.
In summary, the actuation force of the Kailh Box Royal is lighter than the Durock Light Tactile, but the bottom out force of the Box Royal is heavier. Therefore, individuals who prefer a slightly lighter actuation force and a heavier bottom out force may opt for the Box Royal, while those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a lighter bottom out force may find the Light Tactile more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar medium-heavy typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the Box Royal has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Light Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of the traditional range, the Box Royal falls on the shallower end while the Light Tactile falls closer to the more common 4.0 mm distance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times tend to prefer shorter travel distances, making the Box Royal a suitable option for them. However, individuals who enjoy a deeper keystroke may find the Light Tactile more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 is known for its relatively higher pitched profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be ideal for those who prefer a more distinct and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switches at home or work. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal is described as having a sharp tactile feedback. These switches are known for their intense and crisp tactile bump, which can be felt distinctly with each keypress. This sharp feedback makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a highly tactile switch experience. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a more mild and gentle typing experience. These switches have a more approachable feel, with qualities that fall in a safe and middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch is described as polished, which means it offers a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Box Royal and Durock Light Tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Royal provides an almost aggressive and binary tactility, along with a higher pitched sound. On the other hand, the Light Tactile offers a gentle and angelic tactility, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between the sharp and intense feedback of the Box Royal or the more mild and polished typing experience of the Light Tactile. However, keep in mind that individual factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps, can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a sharp and aggressive tactility, the Kailh Box Royal switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a strong and distinct tactile bump that can be felt with every keypress. The sound profile is relatively higher pitched, which adds to the overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and approachable tactility, the Durock Light Tactile switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a smooth and angelic tactility that is very different from the sharper tactile switches in the market. The sound signature is described as jelly-like, which adds to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between Kailh Box Royal and Durock Light Tactile depends on your personal preference for tactility and sound.
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