Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Lunar Probe stand out for their unique features. The Box Royal is known for its intense tactility, providing a sharp and binary tactile feedback that is perfect for those seeking a tactile typing experience with a higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe offers a smooth and consistent linear sensation thanks to its dual rail mechanism, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Lunar Probe lies in their top housings. While the Box Royal features a nylon top housing known for its softer plastic and ability to create a duller, rounder sound profile, the Lunar Probe opts for a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles is further emphasized by the translucent nature of polycarbonate, which allows for better RGB lighting effects compared to the opaque nylon top housing of the Box Royal.
On the other hand, both the Box Royal and the Lunar Probe utilize a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, leading to a more muted and rounded sound overall. Despite having different top housings, the switches still share the essential qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile between the two.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Lunar Probe ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Box Royal offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing, while the Lunar Probe provides a crisper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches maintain a consistent sound profile in the bottom housing due to the use of nylon, ensuring a reliable typing experience regardless of the differences in top housing materials.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal is heavier at 70 grams compared to the Lunar Probe's 50 grams. This makes the Lunar Probe lighter overall, which could be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Box Royal, on the other hand, offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This results in a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose to use. While some other differences may exist between the two switches in terms of actuation force, sound, and key feel, their travel distance remains the same.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it is evident that the Box Royal produces a high-pitched sound when pressed, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe is noted for its subtle sound signature, which suggests a quieter and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference, with the Box Royal offering a more distinct and noticeable sound, while the Lunar Probe providing a quieter and more understated typing experience.
As for the feel of the switches, the Box Royal is known for its sharp tactile feedback, characterized by a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This intense feedback gives users a satisfying and pronounced tactile experience, perfect for those who prefer a highly tactile switch. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe features a smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, ensuring consistent and stable keypresses without the prominent tactile bump found in the Box Royal. If you enjoy a smoother and more consistent typing experience without the intense tactile feedback, the Lunar Probe may be the preferable choice for you.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal provides a high-pitched and sharply tactile typing experience, ideal for those seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback and sound profile. Alternatively, the Lunar Probe delivers a smoother and quieter typing experience with stable and consistent keypresses thanks to its pre-lubed linear mechanism. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on your individual typing needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a strong and aggressive tactile feedback, along with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle and smooth linear switch with a lighter actuation force, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound or prefer a smoother and lighter keypress experience. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and preferences before making a choice between the two.
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