Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Melodic mechanical keyboard switches, the decision ultimately boils down to your preference for tactile versus clicky feedback. The Box Royal is renowned for its incredibly tactile nature, offering a sharp and binary tactility that some may find almost aggressive. If you enjoy a high-pitched sound profile and crave a strong tactile response, then the Box Royal is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic brings a new twist to the clicky switch category with a combination of smooth factory lubing and innovative dual-railed stems. This results in a buttery smooth typing experience with a resonant and invigorating clicky sound, perfect for those who seek a balance between tactile feedback and smooth operation. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Melodic, it is evident that their housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Box Royal's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can greatly influence the typing experience for users, with the Box Royal offering a more muted and round sound compared to the more clear and resonant sound of the Melodic. However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on them.
The choice of housing material for the top housing of a switch can also impact its aesthetic appeal, especially when considering RGB lighting. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Gateron Melodic allows for the transmission of light, making it ideal for RGB setups. On the other hand, the opaque nylon top housing of the Kailh Box Royal may not offer the same level of visual appeal for those interested in customizable lighting options. While the sound profile is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a switch, the visual aspects enabled by the housing materials can also play a significant role in the overall experience for users.
The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings in a switch can provide a diverse typing experience for users. The choice of housing material in each component can influence different aspects of the sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when keys are released. This division of qualities in the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Melodic allows for a nuanced typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials in a switch can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience for users, influencing both the sound profile and aesthetic aspects of the switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch differ in a few key aspects. The Kailh Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of force required. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which makes it a medium force switch. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Melodic for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier force of the Box Royal for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in regards to force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Melodic has a longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal. A 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and performance of the keyboard. The shorter travel distance of the Box Royal may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Melodic may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 switch offers a high-pitched and sharp tone, perfect for those who prefer a more aggressive and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile, maintaining a classic clicky sound while incorporating smoothness and sharpness for an immersive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Box Royal switch is known for its sharp and intense tactile feedback, with a distinct and strong tactile bump that is felt with every keypress. Conversely, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and reactive feel. Both switches excel in delivering a satisfying tactile experience, but the decision between the two would come down to whether you prefer a sharper and more intense feedback or a smoother and more fluid typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Melodic switches each offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal provides a high-pitched and sharp sound with a sharp tactile bump, while the Melodic switch delivers a resonant and crunchy sound combined with a buttery and invigorating typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound pitch, tactile intensity, and typing smoothness, you can achieve similar results with either switch by carefully selecting your keyboard setup and keycaps to complement their characteristics. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience tailored to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider the level of tactility you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp, almost aggressive tactile bump with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more buttery keystroke with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, the Gateron Melodic might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize intense tactility or a smoother typing experience.
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