Kailh Box Royal vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up in the conversation are the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Brown. The Box Royal is best known for its unparalleled levels of tactility, as these switches provide a sharp and binary feeling with every keystroke. If you desire a keyboard that offers an almost aggressive tactility, then the Box Royal switches are an ideal choice for you. In terms of sound, these switches produce a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are renowned for their subtlety. With a relatively light typing experience, these switches offer a gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the MX Browns provide a more understated and relaxed typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Brown switches both utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings. This common material choice contributes to a similar typing experience with both switches. The nylon material in the top housing of these switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is relatively softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the auditory experience for users of both switches.
Both the Box Royal and MX Brown switches also share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The softness of the nylon plastic allows for a more cushioned impact, resulting in a satisfying and smooth typing experience for users. This gives both switches a similar tactile feedback and contributes to their overall comfort and performance.
While the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Brown switches are identical, it's important to note that if the top and bottom housings differ for a particular switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom. This means that pressing down on a switch will predominantly showcase the characteristics of the bottom housing, while the top housing will have a more prominent effect on the sound when releasing a key. In such cases, users can expect a well-rounded typing experience with a combination of the qualities offered by both the top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Royal has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the MX Brown requires the same amount of force. This means that both switches will provide a similar response when initially triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Royal requires a heavier force of 70 grams, whereas the MX Brown is slightly lighter at 55 grams. This means that typing on the Box Royal switch will result in a more substantial and tactile experience as the keys are pressed all the way down. On the other hand, the MX Brown offers a lighter bottom out force, allowing for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel and value a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Box Royal, while those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing periods may opt for the MX Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference between the two. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range considered to be the norm for travel distances, with the MX Brown being the more traditional choice, it is important to consider personal preferences and use cases. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal in order to achieve faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper keystroke may find the 4 mm travel distance of the MX Brown more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00.
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 higher-pitched profile. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, these switches may not be the best choice for you. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch has a more subdued audio feedback. It is described as having a bassy sound profile, which offers a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Additionally, MX Brown switches have a lower-pitched sound compared to the higher-pitched Box Royals. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactility. These switches have a distinct and intense tactile bump that can be felt with each key press. This binary tactility gives a nearly aggressive feel to typing, making the Box Royals perfect for those seeking a highly tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as having a textured feel. This means that there is noticeable friction when the switches are pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switch is best suited for those who want a pronounced and sharp tactile experience with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a more subtle and gentle tactility, with a bassy sound profile and a textured feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer the feel and sound of the Box Royals, you can expect similar results with the MX Browns, albeit with a milder and less intense experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a strong and aggressive tactility in your mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is perfect for you. With its sharp and binary tactility, these switches provide a highly satisfying typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is a good choice.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle tactility, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be more suitable for you. These switches offer a relatively light typing experience with a softer tactile bump. Furthermore, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile with lower frequencies, the MX Brown is the way to go.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Brown comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a strong and sharp tactile feel and a higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal is the switch for you. If you prefer a more subtle and gentle tactile experience with a deeper and bassier sound, the MX Brown is the better option.
As a final point, it's important to consider the feel and sound of the switches. The Box Royal offers a sharp and intense tactile feedback, while the MX Brown provides a textured and possibly scratchy feel when pressed. Consider your typing preferences and needs when making the decision between these two switches.
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