Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stand out for different reasons. The Box Royal is praised for its intense tactility, offering a sharp and binary tactile feedback that appeals to those seeking a robust typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro switches are celebrated for their smooth and budget-friendly linear design, providing a buttery smooth keystroke accompanied by a low-pitched "thock" sound. While the Box Royal leans towards a higher-pitched sound profile and aggressive tactility, the Milky Red Pro offers a more subtle and affordable 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
52g
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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it is clear that both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will likely have a similar sound profile, with a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Typing on either of these switches will result in a duller and rounder sound, creating a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a quieter switch.
However, despite both switches using nylon for their housing materials, there may still be subtle differences in the typing experience between the two. The distribution of the qualities of the housing material between the top and bottom of the switch can influence the overall feel and sound of the switch. The bottom housing, for example, may have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing may affect the sound when a key is released. These nuances in housing composition could potentially result in slight variations in typing feel and sound between the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3).
Ultimately, while the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are similar in that they both use nylon, it is important for users to consider how the distribution of these materials within the switch may impact their typing experience. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing properties, but differences in the housing composition could lead to subtle variations in the overall typing feel and sound between the two switches. Users should take these factors into account when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) to find the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal has a heavier measurement of 70 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's lighter 52 grams. This indicates that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Milky Red Pro offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for weight and feel during typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly quicker actuation time for the Box Royal compared to the Milky Red Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Box Royal, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 offers a high-pitched and sharp profile, producing a crisp sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches provide a smoother and lower-pitched "thock" sound, offering a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Depending on personal preference, if you enjoy a sharper and more distinct sound, the Box Royal might be the better choice, while the Milky Red Pro switches cater to those who prefer a deeper and richer sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal is known for its sharp and intense tactile feedback, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is noticeably felt with every keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience, providing a seamless and effortless feel with each press. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Box Royal would be the way to go, but if you lean towards a smoother and more uniform typing sensation, the Milky Red Pro switches would better suit your preference.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal provides a high-pitched and sharp sound with intense tactile feedback, while the Milky Red Pro switches offer a smoother and lower-pitched sound with a buttery typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switch choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer high-quality performance within their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you enjoy a highly tactile typing experience with sharp feedback and a higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a buttery feel and a low-pitched "thock" sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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