Kailh Box Royal vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Orange 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 for discussion are the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Orange. The Box Royal is celebrated for its exceptionally sharp and binary tactility, making it an ideal choice for users seeking an aggressive tactile feedback with each keystroke. Its higher-pitched sound profile adds an auditory sharpness to the typing experience that some users find invigorating. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches offer a more subdued approach, combining tactile feedback with the smoothness of a linear response. Originally crafted in collaboration with Cherry's Japanese partner Hirose, the MX Orange has been revitalized with modern enhancements to meet the demands of contemporary gamers and typists alike. While the Box Royal is perfect for those craving pronounced tactile sensations, the MX Orange appeals to users who enjoy a balanced feel without the resistance of a traditional tactile switch. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Orange both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a unique auditory and tactile experience that is characterized by a deep and full sound profile. This commonality in materials means that both switches share a fundamental approach to sound absorption and quality. The use of nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, helps to dampen vibrations and reduce excessive noise, which is particularly beneficial for users seeking a quieter typing experience. Consequently, whether using the Kailh Box Royal or the Cherry MX Orange, typists could expect to enjoy a similar auditory signature that is smooth and rounded, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When considering the individual components of each switch, the similarities in housing material also illustrate how they impact the sound and feel, albeit in different ways. The top housing predominantly influences the sound during key release, which would be uniformly characterized by the nylon's sound-dampening qualities. Meanwhile, the bottom housing plays a crucial role during the bottom-out phase, where the impact is felt more acutely. As both the Kailh Box Royal and Cherry MX Orange utilize nylon for both housings, users can anticipate consistent feedback and auditory performance, regardless of which switch they choose to use.
However, while the materials may be the same, slight variations in other design elements—such as spring tension or actuation force—could potentially lead to different typing experiences. These differences might manifest in the feel of the switch during typing; for instance, the Kailh Box Royal may provide a different tactile response compared to the Cherry MX Orange despite both switches having the same nylon housing composition. Ultimately, while the housing materials are identical, typists may find subtleties in the overall typing experience that make each switch unique, depending on their specific preferences and uses.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation force. The Box Royal has a 45-gram actuation force, which makes it lighter than the Cherry MX Orange, which requires a heavier 55 grams to actuate. This difference in actuation force means that the Box Royal is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a substantial resistance that gives typists a satisfying feel when fully pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the bottom out force for the MX Orange is reported as unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. Since both switches have varying actuation forces and only the Box Royal has a specified bottom out force, users may choose the Box Royal for a lighter and tactile experience or the MX Orange if they prefer a firmer press, though the lack of data on the MX Orange’s bottom out makes it challenging to fully gauge its feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Box Royal the shorter option, appealing to users who favor a more responsive feel due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the MX Orange, with its 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth that some users prefer, as it feels more substantial when pressed. For those prioritizing speed and quicker response times, the Kailh Box Royal's shorter travel distance may be the more suitable choice, whereas the Cherry MX Orange could be favored by users who enjoy a fuller pressing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 switches present a high-pitched audio profile, offering a sharp and crisp sound with each keypress. This higher frequency can be particularly appealing for users who find deeper, bassier sounds less desirable. In contrast, while the Cherry MX Orange switches are characteristically known for their tactile feel and performance refinements, the specific sound profile is not distinctly defined in the provided information. Therefore, it's important to note that the overall auditory experience will vary depending on the board's construction and the keycaps used.
Focusing on feel, the Kailh Box Royal switches excel with their sharp tactile feedback. They provide an intense, pronounced tactile bump that is easily felt during each keystroke, making them an excellent choice for users who enjoy a decisive typing experience. On the other hand, there are no specific details shared about the tactile characteristics of the Cherry MX Orange switches; thus, we can't draw a direct comparison regarding their tactile feel. However, knowing Cherry's history and commitment to quality, it can be surmised that the Orange switches provide a reliable experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal switches shine with their high-pitched sound and sharp tactile feedback, making them ideal for users that appreciate a pronounced typing sensation. Although the sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Orange switches remain unspecified, their history suggests a solid performance. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: those seeking a vibrant auditory experience with distinct tactile feedback may gravitate toward the Kailh Box Royals, while others may appreciate the Cherry MX Orange for its reputable performance, at least as historically understood. For users open to exploring various switch qualities, they could match some of the Box Royal's sharpness with the Cherry MX Orange by considering factors like keyboard construction and keycap choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch largely depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you crave an aggressive tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Box Royal is the clear choice. Its sharp, binary tactility and medium-heavy bottom-out force provide a pronounced sensation with every keystroke, making it ideal for those who desire a more engaging and responsive feel, especially during intense gaming or fast-paced typing. The higher-pitched sound profile adds to the sharpness of your interactions, making your keystrokes feel precise. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Cherry MX Orange linear switch might suit you better. Although it does not have a specified bottom-out force, the traditional linear design offers a gradual and seamless keypress without the tactile bump, making it great for prolonged typing sessions where noise and abrupt feedback could be distracting. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth and silent keystroke, shaping your mechanical keyboard experience to your liking.
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