Kailh Box Royal vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options in the tactile category are the Kailh Box Royal and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Box Royal switches are renowned for their incredibly sharp and binary tactility, making them a fantastic choice for those seeking a highly tactile typing experience. These switches produce a relatively higher pitched sound profile, further adding to their unique character. On the other hand, the Moyu Black switches offer a sharp tactile feel as well, but what sets them apart is their unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, which provides a rare and premium typing experience. These switches feature a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. Additionally, the Moyu Blacks deliver a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound during typing, thanks to their medium-heavy feel and accentuated bottom-out. Both switches offer distinct advantages in terms of tactility and 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer plastic and greater sound absorption capabilities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) employs a PBT top housing, which offers a more neutral sound profile. It neither produces a crisp nor dull sound, providing a balanced auditory experience. Therefore, in terms of top housing, the Box Royal leans towards a softer and rounder sound, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a more neutral and balanced sound.
Additionally, the bottom housing of these switches also influences the overall sound profile when pressed. The Box Royal's nylon bottom housing contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) implements a PBT bottom housing, which adds to its overall neutrality in terms of sound. The PBT material maintains a balance between crispness and dullness, creating a sound that is neither too sharp nor too muted. Therefore, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of each switch.
It is important to note that when comparing the two switches, their respective top and bottom housings greatly contribute to the overall sound experience. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box Royal create a deeper, fuller, and rounder sound when typing and bottoming out. Conversely, the PBT top and bottom housings of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) produce a more neutral sound profile without being too crisp or dull. Despite the differences, both switches aim to offer a satisfying auditory experience by utilizing different housing materials. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a softer and rounder sound with the Box Royal or a more neutral balance of sound with the Moyu Black (Dark Jade). In conclusion, these switches provide distinct sound profiles, emphasizing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are similarities and differences to note. The Kailh Box Royal has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying push feel for those who prefer a substantial typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Kailh Box Royal requires 70 grams of force to fully press the key, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 67 grams. Again, both switches can be considered medium-heavy in this aspect as well.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. In this case, the Kailh Box Royal with its lighter actuation force might be more suitable. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) with its slightly heavier actuation force.
In summary, while there are slight differences in actuation force and bottom out force between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, both fall within the medium-heavy range. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, we can see that they have slightly different distances. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Moyu Black falls within the more common 4.0 mm range, while the Box Royal is slightly shorter. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Box Royal a favorable choice for them. However, those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial feel may lean towards the Moyu Black due to its longer travel distance. In either case, both switches offer a unique tactile experience, albeit with slight variations in their travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 tactile switch has a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct and vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is described as resonant, creating a clean and sharp sound profile when typing. This switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile that can provide an immersive auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is well-known for its sharp and intense tactile feedback. The strong and crisp tactile bump of these switches creates a prominent sensation with each keypress. Similarly, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is also described as having a sharp tactile feel. It offers a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a prominent amount of feedback with each keypress. Both switches have a distinct tactile bump that can be felt distinctly, giving the typist a satisfying typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Royal and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches have some similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer sharp tactile feedback, allowing users to feel a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. Additionally, their sound profiles are relatively higher-pitched, producing crisp and clean sounds when typing. However, it is important to consider that individual preferences for sound and feel may vary, and the overall typing experience can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, it is recommended to try out both switches if possible or consider similar switches with comparable characteristics to achieve similar results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're looking for a nearly aggressive and extremely tactile experience, the Kailh Box Royal switches would be the perfect choice for you. These switches provide a sharp, binary tactility that is hard to beat. With a medium-heavy feel and a relatively higher pitched sound profile, they offer a distinctive typing experience that is both satisfying and impactful.
On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and premium typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches would be a great option. These switches feature a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. With a medium-heavy feel, an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, and a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy sound, they offer a rare and enjoyable typing experience.
To summarize, the Kailh Box Royal switches are ideal if you value an aggressive and sharp tactile feel with a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches provide a distinct and premium typing experience with a strong but not overwhelming tactile feel and a satisfyingly sharp sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preference and the typing experience you desire.