Kailh Box Royal vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Purple RGB can significantly influence your typing experience. The Box Royal is lauded for its aggressive tactile feedback, offering a sharp and binary tactility that provides a pronounced sensation with each key press, making it an excellent option for those who thrive on tactile precision. Additionally, its higher-pitched sound profile adds an extra layer of auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches deliver a more refined tactile experience with a gentler, medium-strength bump, designed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses. This makes the MX Purple RGB a favorable choice for users who prefer a subtler tactile response that still maintains a satisfying click. Both switches cater to different preferences; the Box Royal excels for those seeking pronounced feedback, while the MX Purple RGB appeals to those wanting a balanced and nuanced feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches both feature nylon as their primary housing material, with the top and bottom housings made of this classic plastic. This similarity lends itself to a similar acoustic experience during typing, as nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounder and less harsh auditory experience compared to switches made from harder plastics. Both switches, therefore, share characteristics that contribute to a pleasant acoustic feedback, appealing to users who appreciate a well-rounded typing sound.
While both switches utilize nylon for their housings, it is worth noting how the properties of top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the overall typing experience. The top housing's acoustic properties significantly influence the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing’s characteristics are more pronounced during the bottom-out phase. Given that both the Kailh Box Royal and Cherry MX Purple RGB possess identical nylon housings, users can expect a cohesive sound profile throughout the typing experience regardless of the switch being used. Both models will therefore yield comparable results in terms of sound quality.
In summary, the primary contrast between the Kailh Box Royal and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches lies not in their housing materials, but rather in potential differences in design elements or switch mechanics, which are not detailed here. However, since both switches share the same nylon construction for their top and bottom housings, users will ultimately enjoy a similar sound profile and typing feel. For anyone seeking a softer, more pleasant auditory experience from their mechanical keyboard, both switch types fulfill these preferences effectively, with the same material properties ensuring a pleasing and consistent performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, some interesting similarities and differences emerge. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar feel in terms of triggering a keystroke, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the Kailh Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when pressing the key all the way down, while the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB switch is unknown. This suggests that the Box Royal switch provides a firmer feedback at full depression, catering to those who prefer a heavier switch for a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, the Kailh Box Royal is considered the heavier option due to its specified bottom out force, while the MX Purple RGB, lacking that specific detail, remains undetermined in comparison.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there is a distinct difference. The Box Royal features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Purple RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that if you're looking for a switch that offers quicker response times, the Kailh Box Royal may be more suitable due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper key press. Therefore, if you prefer a snappier, more responsive typing experience, the Kailh Box Royal would be the better choice, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 tactile switch is characterized by its high-pitched auditory profile. This means that each keypress produces a sharp and crisp sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback without the richer, bass-heavy tones that some other switches might provide. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch’s sound profile is currently unspecified; however, the overall acoustic experience can still vary significantly based on factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Therefore, while the Box Royal offers a distinct sound signature, the MX Purple RGB may present a more undefined auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch provides an exceptionally sharp tactile sensation. Known for its aggressive characteristics, the tactile bump is both prominent and intense, allowing users to feel a strong tactile response with every keystroke. This makes it a great option for typists or gamers seeking precise feedback. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is noted for its refined tactile feedback, featuring a shorter, medium-strength bump. Though it doesn’t boast the extreme tactility of the Box Royal, it offers a nuanced experience tailored to a wide range of users, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a balanced tactile sensation.
Overall, selecting between the Kailh Box Royal and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel. The Box Royal excels in delivering a higher-pitched sound and an aggressive, sharp tactile response, making it perfect for users who crave pronounced feedback. Conversely, the MX Purple RGB offers a more mild yet refined tactile experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. Each switch delivers distinct qualities that can cater to different typing and gaming needs, but in the end, both can provide satisfying results within their respective sound and tactile parameters.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preference for actuation feel, feedback intensity, and sound characteristics. If you crave a pronounced tactile sensation with sharp feedback and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is your go-to choice. The 70 grams of bottom-out force may be suited for users who appreciate a more substantial keypress, particularly those who may do a lot of typing and want a tactile experience that keeps them engaged. On the other hand, if you prefer a more refined tactile experience with a medium bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are likely to be more comfortable for your typing style, especially if you favor a smoother feel without the aggressive tactility of the Box Royals. Additionally, they are designed for a broad audience, making them a versatile option suitable for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, if sharp tactile feedback and a bright sound excite you, opt for the Box Royals; if you lean toward a more balanced tactile experience, go for the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Your choice should align with how you intend to use your keyboard, whether it's for gaming or extensive typing sessions.
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