Kailh Box Royal vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Red mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between two distinct typing experiences. The Box Royal is a tactile switch that offers a sharp, binary tactility, making it ideal for those who crave an aggressive tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a linear switch that provides a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, delivering a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Box Royal is categorized as 'Sharp' and 'High-pitched', the Cherry MX Red is known for being 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize aggressive tactility or a more substantial typing feel. 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Red, both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that typing on either switch will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In this aspect, the two switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, one potential difference between the two switches could lie in the quality and design of the nylon material used for their housings. Kailh Box Royal may have a different formulation or density of nylon that could impact the sound and feel of the switch compared to Cherry MX Red. The specific properties of the nylon material, such as its flexibility or hardness, could result in subtle variations in typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, while both the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Red switches use nylon for their housing materials, the slight differences in the formulation or design of the nylon material could potentially lead to variations in typing feel and sound. It would be interesting to compare the switches side by side to determine if there are noticeable differences in the typing experience between the two, or if the similarities in housing material result in a nearly identical feel and sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that they share a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Box Royal requires a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the MX Red, whose bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Box Royal provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the MX Red's weight remains a mystery. When considering preferences, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the MX Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Box Royal for a more substantial typing experience. Despite the differences in bottom out force, users can expect similar results when actuating keystrokes on both switches due to their comparable actuation forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Red has the longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal. A shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm on the Box Royal may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the 4 mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Red may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch have distinct differences in sound and feel characteristics. The Box Royal offers a high-pitched sound profile with a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, catering to those who prefer a more cutting auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red provides a deeper, thocky sound with a lower-pitched tone that delivers a rich and satisfying sound when typing. When it comes to feel, the Box Royal is known for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a pronounced and intense tactile bump with each keypress. In comparison, the MX Red has a textured feel that may provide some friction when pressed, allowing for a different typing experience that some users may find preferable. Overall, if you enjoy a more aggressive tactile feel and higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red could be more suited to your preferences. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a sharp, aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel, a deeper sound profile, and a smoother typing experience, the MX Red could be the more suitable option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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