Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Mars offer two distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Kailh Box Royal stands out with its pronounced tactile feedback, providing a sharp and aggressive tactility that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for those who enjoy a more engaged experience with each keystroke. Its relatively high-pitched sound profile further adds to the auditory feedback, making it a compelling choice for users who appreciate assertive tactile sensations. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars presents a smoother and more streamlined operation, featuring an innovative design that combines a POK stem with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM. This makes the Mars ideal for users who prefer a linear switch that allows for fluid key presses without the auditory or tactile interruption found in tactile switches. Both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences; the Box Royal is perfect for those seeking a pronounced tactile experience, while the Mars appeals to those who favor smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Mars switches, the materials used for their top housings are notably similar, as both switches feature a nylon construction. This choice of material leads to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller in tone, as nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound. Consequently, both the Box Royal and the Mars switches share a characteristic of producing a duller and rounder sound when typing. This similarity in top housing material suggests that users can expect comparable auditory experiences when actuating either switch, particularly during the release phase, where the sound generated is heavily influenced by the properties of the top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly in material composition. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Gateron Mars opts for a POM housing. While the nylon bottom of the Box Royal continues to promote that deep and fuller sound profile attributed to its softer plastic, the POM bottom of the Mars claims to generate a unique and pleasing sound characterized by its muted qualities. This difference means that, while the top housing influences the sound during key release, the bottom housing becomes more critical in determining the bottom-out sound experience. Consequently, users might notice a variation in tactile feedback and sound upon key actuation, which could appeal to different preferences in keyboard feel and auditory feedback.
Ultimately, although both switches share a nylon top housing that creates a similar sound profile, the contrasting bottom materials introduce distinct auditory and tactile characteristics. The combined effect of these material differences means that enthusiasts looking for a switch with a specific sound or feel may find a clear distinction between the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Mars. Users who prioritize the overall auditory experience of their switches should consider how the nylon and POM materials influence not just the sound, but also the tactile feedback during typing. This exploration into housing materials demonstrates how subtle changes can significantly affect overall switch performance and user satisfaction.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in that respect. This weight offers a balanced typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate a moderate feel that allows for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. However, a notable distinction arises with the bottom out force: the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating that it requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Mars switch, which does not provide a specific bottom out force. Consequently, while both switches offer a similar actuation force, the Box Royal presents a heavier overall feel when fully pressed down. This means that users seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Box Royal, while the Gateron Mars, with its unknown bottom out force, may cater to those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users will experience similar keypress results in terms of depth when activating either switch. This equal travel distance allows for a consistent feel across both types of switches, making them potentially suitable for users who prefer a tactile response with a similar keystroke depth. With the travel distance being identical, the differences in typing experience would likely stem from their individual tactile or linear characteristics rather than the physical travel itself.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 tactile switch delivers a high-pitched audio profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound upon activation. This means that if you're not a fan of the deeper, richer audio associated with some linear switches, the Box Royal's sound may be more appealing to you. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars linear switch does not have an explicitly defined sound profile available for comparison. However, it's important to note that the overall sound output for both switches can still be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap materials used, which might lead to varying experiences.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal shines with a distinctly sharp tactile feedback that provides a heightened sense of engagement with each keypress. The aggressive tactility means you can expect a pronounced bump, making the typing experience feel very interactive and deliberate. The Gateron Mars linear switch, although lacking specific tactile feel descriptors for comparison, is typically smoother and devoid of the pronounced bumps found in tactile switches. Linear switches like the Mars are designed for a fluid keypress, which contrasts sharply with the Box Royal's tactile nature.
Ultimately, if you are in search of a mechanical switch that offers an intense tactile experience, the Kailh Box Royal is likely the better choice for you, thanks to its sharp tactility and distinct sound profile. In contrast, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keypress without the added tactility, the Gateron Mars might provide a more suitable option. With these insights, you can choose based on the ambient sound and tactile feedback that aligns with your personal preferences, while keeping in mind that variations may occur based on other factors in your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and overall typing experience. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile response and enjoy a sharp, binary feedback with each keystroke, then the Box Royal is the clear choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams will keep you engaged in every type you produce, making it ideal for those who like to feel a strong tactile response, particularly for typing or gaming scenarios where every keypress matters. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, quieter keystroke experience with less tactile feedback, you might consider the Gateron Mars linear switch. Although it lacks the aggressive tactility found in the Box Royals, the Mars switches are designed to provide a fluid typing experience that can enhance your comfort during long typing sessions. The lighter sound profile may also appeal to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. In summary, choose the Box Royal for a tactile, engaging feel and distinct sound, while opting for the Gateron Mars if you seek a smoother, linear typing experience.
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