Kailh Box Royal vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Lupine are two popular options that offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Box Royal is renowned for its exceptional tactility, providing users with a sharp and binary feedback that is perfect for those seeking an almost aggressive feel while typing. In terms of sound, these switches have a relatively higher pitched profile. On the other hand, the Lupine prides itself on its linear nature, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience due to its two-stage long springs. This switch also provides a more powerful upward movement upon rebound, giving it a distinct feel. Sound-wise, the Lupine produces a classic clacky profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your personalized typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Lupine differ in their choice of housing materials. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Lupine employs a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite their differences, both housing materials offer similar benefits in terms of eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their ability to absorb sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Box Royal and the Lupine utilize nylon as their material of choice. This classic switch housing material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches produce a duller and rounder sound when pressed. Since the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, users can expect similar results in terms of the sound profile when using either the Box Royal or the Lupine.
It is worth noting that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will be more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction can lead to subtle differences in the overall typing experience between the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Lupine, depending on the user's preference for the specific characteristics emphasized by each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Lupine's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, putting it in the medium range.
In terms of weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. This allows for a smoother and quicker typing experience without causing fatigue. For those seeking a more substantial and deliberate typing feel, a switch with a heavier force is preferred.
While the Box Royal offers a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Lupine, the Lupine has a lighter bottom out force in comparison. Both switches provide a medium-level experience, but with the Lupine being slightly lighter. However, since the actuation force of the Lupine is unavailable, it is difficult to make a direct comparison.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Those looking for a slightly lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lupine, while individuals desiring a more solid and forceful keystroke may opt for the Box Royal.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of the most traditional travel distance, both switches fall within the range, with the Lupine being slightly closer to the traditional 4.0 mm and the Box Royal being slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. However, with the growing preference for shorter travel distances in gaming, the Box Royal may be favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel, the slightly longer travel distance of the Lupine may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its relatively higher pitched sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be desirable for those who prefer a more distinct and pronounced sound. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch is described as having a classic clacky sound profile. This means that when using these switches, you can expect a sound that is moderate in pitch. While both switches produce different sound profiles, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal is known for its sharp tactile feedback. With a strong and crisp tactile bump, each key press with these switches provides a high-feedback intensity. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch offers a more mild typing experience. These switches have a more gentle tactile feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Lupine switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Royal and Durock Lupine switches offer distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Box Royal is characterized by its high-pitched sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, making it a suitable choice for those seeking aggressive tactility and a pronounced sound. On the other hand, the Lupine switch provides a more neutral sound profile and a milder tactile feel, appealing to users who prefer a classic clacky sound and a gentler typing experience. It is worth noting that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the ideal switch, as some may find the sharp tactility of the Box Royal too aggressive or the Lupine switch not tactile enough. Ultimately, it is recommended to try out different switches to find the one that suits your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who values an aggressive tactile experience and prefers a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a sharp and binary tactility that provides a distinct and intense feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and approachable typing experience, the Durock Lupine linear switches would be more suitable. These switches feature a two-stage long spring mechanism, providing a consistent weight distribution while pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, the Lupine switches have a classic clacky sound profile. Overall, the Lupine switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes, while the Box Royal switches are known for their high-pitched sound. So, depending on your preferences for tactility and sound, you can make an informed decision between these two options.
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