Kailh Box Royal vs. Cherry MX Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly impact your typing experience. For those seeking an incredibly tactile switch, the Kailh Box Royal is an excellent option. These switches are renowned for their sharp, binary tactility, making them perfect for those who desire a nearly aggressive feedback when typing. Additionally, the Box Royal has a relatively higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience, the Cherry MX Black may be more suited to your preferences. Cherry has perfected these iconic switches with their new Hyperglide tooling, offering a classic textured smoothness. Typing on MX Black switches provides a familiar deep sound profile. They are also categorized as low-pitched and stiff. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Cherry MX Black Linear

$6.25 per 10

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Black switches, both made of nylon, share a common characteristic of eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the relatively softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound production when typing on both of these switches. Whether it is the top or bottom housing, the nylon material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound experience.

However, despite the shared housing material, the Kailh Box Royal and Cherry MX Black switches differ in terms of their design and construction. The specific design of each switch, combined with other components such as the spring and stem, can influence the overall feel and performance. While the nylon top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, users may find slight variations in the typing experience between these two switches, with the Kailh Box Royal potentially offering a different bottom-out sensation compared to the Cherry MX Black.

In summary, the Kailh Box Royal and Cherry MX Black switches share a common housing material of nylon that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the overall typing experience may still show subtle differences due to variations in design and construction, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release. Both switches offer their unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on personal preferences and desired typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the MX Black requires a slightly heavier 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Box Royal requires a gentler touch to register a key press. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal measures at 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when pressing the keys all the way down. On the other hand, the MX Black has a higher bottom out force of 80 grams, resulting in a heavier and more substantial typing experience.

For those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Box Royal's lower actuation and bottom out forces would be more suitable. However, if someone enjoys a stronger push feel and desires a more substantial typing experience, the MX Black's heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be preferred. In both cases, the switches provide distinct tactile feedback and actuation points, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it becomes evident that the MX Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box Royal has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The MX Black falls within the range of traditional travel distances, offering a standard 4.0 mm for those who appreciate a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the Box Royal provides a slightly shallower experience, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. While the Box Royal's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm may offer greater responsiveness, some individuals may find it too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the MX Black catering to those who prefer a longer travel distance and the Box Royal accommodating those who seek a shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp and aggressive tactility, offering a binary feel that is highly distinctive with each keypress. In terms of sound, these switches produce a relatively higher pitched sound when pressed, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is recognized for its classic textured smoothness achieved through Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. While the exact sound profile of MX Black switches is not specified, they are described as low-pitched, typically featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Box Royal switch offers a sharp tactile experience, characterized by a high feedback intensity and a prominent tactile bump. On the contrary, the MX Black switch is described as textured, which means there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, MX Black switches are stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. Overall, if you are seeking an aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, textured feel with a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound, the Cherry MX Black switch is a better option. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.

Conclusion

In closing, if you're looking for an intense and aggressive tactile experience, the Kailh Box Royal switch is the perfect choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and sharp, binary tactility, these switches provide a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile adds to the overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more textured typing experience, the Cherry MX Black switch with its heavy bottom out force and textured feel is the way to go. The deep sound profile and the stiff nature of these switches offer a classic and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Black switch comes down to personal preference in terms of both sound and feel. Consider what type of tactile and auditory experience you prefer before making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Black Linear

$4.00 per 10

Learn more