Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear switches can significantly affect your typing experience. The Kailh Box Royal switches stand out with their keen and pronounced tactile feedback, offering a sharp and binary tactile response for those who appreciate an aggressive feel while typing. Their higher-pitched sound profile enhances this assertiveness, making every keystroke feel impactful. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches deliver a smoother, more neutral typing experience characterized by their softer nylon housings. This lightweight design lends itself to a satisfying, almost effortless keystroke, ideal for users seeking a fluid and quiet typing session. Both switches cater to different preferences—what you might choose hinges on whether you prioritize pronounced tactile feedback or a seamless, linear feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

HMX Lucky Linear

$6.25 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Lucky switches, one finds that both feature nylon as their primary housing material. This similarity extends to both the top and bottom housings of each switch, which means that the user can expect a consistent auditory and tactile experience across both models. The use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile; the inherent properties of this softer plastic enhance sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder auditory signature. This effect is particularly noticeable when typing, as the nylon creates a sound that feels more muted and pleasant to the ear, shared by both the Box Royal and the Lucky.

Moreover, since both the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Lucky utilize the same nylon materials for their top and bottom housings, they exhibit commensurate performance when it comes to the sound and feel during key presses. The shared nylon construction ensures that the qualities affecting the bottom-out sound, as well as the auditory feedback of releasing a key, remain similarly impacted by the housing materials. In a direct comparison, one would not find significant differences in the tactile experience or auditory quality while using either switch, leading to overall similar results in a keyboard environment.

However, it is essential to note that even though both switches share nylon housings, slight variations in design and mechanical characteristics may still exist between the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Lucky switches themselves. These differences could affect the feel of the switches under mechanical stresses and during usage, despite the shared material composition. Therefore, while users can anticipate a comparable sound profile and tactile sensation due to the nylon housing, they may also want to explore individual switch designs to find the one that best meets their preferences for actuation force, travel distance, and overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch with a 45-gram actuation force and a 70-gram bottom out force to the HMX Lucky linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, a clear differentiation in weight emerges. The Box Royal, being medium-heavy, provides a more substantial typing experience, potentially appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Lucky's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it more suitable for extended typing sessions, allowing for less fatigue during work or gaming. Overall, the Kailh Box Royal requires more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the HMX Lucky, making the latter the preferred choice for those who favor a lighter, less strenuous switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the Box Royal features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Lucky has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. For users who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal may be more appealing as it allows for faster key presses. Conversely, the Lucky's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial tactile experience, which some users may prefer for a more hearty feel. This distinction highlights the nuanced differences between the two switches, where the Box Royal caters to a preference for speed and responsiveness, while the Lucky offers a deeper, more deliberate actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Box Royal is characterized by its high-pitched sound, which produces a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keypress. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer a more pronounced sound without the depth or bassiness found in other switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Lucky switch remains unspecified, leaving potential users to explore or test it themselves. It's essential to keep in mind that a switch's sound can vary depending on the keyboard it is used with and the choice of keycaps, potentially influencing the overall auditory experience.

In terms of tactile feel, the Kailh Box Royal switches deliver a remarkably sharp and pronounced tactile feedback. Users can expect a strikingly aggressive tactile bump that provides high feedback intensity, making each keystroke feel defined and deliberate. This makes them particularly appealing to those who enjoy a substantial tactile response. Conversely, the HMX Lucky linear switch lacks a defined tactile bump, instead offering a neutral and smoother feel. While the exact tactile feedback of the Lucky switch is not described, it is known for its overall satisfying typing experience, appealing to those who may favor a more fluid keypress without the interruption of a tactile bump.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Lucky switches present two very different experiences. The Box Royal excels with its high-pitched sound and sharp tactile feedback, perfect for those who appreciate aggressive tactility and crisp auditory responses. Meanwhile, the Lucky switch focuses on delivering a lighter and more neutral typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a smooth and satisfying keystroke without sharp interruptions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to whether one values pronounced tactile feedback and sound or a more subdued and fluid typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style should guide your choice. If you thrive on tactile feedback and appreciate a robust typing experience, the Box Royal is the ideal pick. Its aggressive tactility and higher-pitched sound will keep you engaged, making it especially suited for typists who enjoy a strong, distinct bump with each keystroke. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams, the Box Royal can provide the satisfying resistance and feedback you need for precision in gaming or typing tasks. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a more neutral typing experience, the Lucky switch is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of only 43 grams, it offers a silky-smooth feel that can enhance your typing speed and comfort over prolonged usage. The softer nylon housing lends itself to an overall smoother and more effortless experience, ideal for those long hours of writing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and weightiness with the Box Royal or a lighter, smoother, and more subtle typing experience with the Lucky switch.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more