Kailh Box Royal vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out as two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense tactile feedback, offering a sharp and binary tactility that can be compared to an aggressive sensation. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is known for its lightning-fast response, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance that allows for instant triggering. While the Box Royal provides a high-pitched sound profile, the MX Speed Silver offers a more textured and low-pitched feel. If you're seeking precision and speed, the MX Speed Silver may be the switch for you. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Both the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Speed Silver use nylon as their top and bottom housing material, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound that can be pleasing to the user's ears. The nylon top housing of both switches contributes to the overall typing experience, enhancing the sound profile with its softer material.
Although both switches share the same housing material, they may have differences in their bottom housing that could affect the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Therefore, any variations in the bottom housing material between the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Speed Silver could result in differences in the tactile feedback and sound produced when typing on these switches. It is important to consider these potential differences when choosing between these two switches based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry MX Speed Silver share similar housing materials for both the top and bottom housings, it is essential to pay attention to any potential differences in the bottom housing that may affect the overall typing experience. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to their nylon housing, but variations in the bottom housing material could result in subtle differences in typing feel and sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding tactile feedback and sound characteristics while typing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Box Royal has a heavier feel overall. The Box Royal requires 45 grams of force to actuate a key, while the MX Speed Silver only requires 30 grams. Additionally, the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, whereas the MX Speed Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile response. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver's lighter actuation force may be more appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer than the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is ideal for gamers looking for fast response times. The Box Royal offers a bit more depth to the key press compared to the MX Speed Silver. Gamers who prefer a more abrupt key press may lean towards the MX Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a slightly longer travel distance may find the Box Royal more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance, offering users a responsive and tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 is known for its sharp, binary tactility, providing a nearly aggressive feedback with each keypress. This results in a high-pitched sound profile that can be sharp and crisp. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offers a full height for maximum speed, triggering instantly with its low spring resistance. While the sound profile of the Speed Silver is described as thocky and low-pitched, giving a deep and satisfying tone, the feel is noted to be textured with noticeable friction when pressed.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switch excels in providing a strong and distinct tactile bump, coupled with a higher-pitched sound profile. This makes it ideal for those seeking a pronounced feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is perfect for gamers looking for maximum speed and instant response, with a thocky, low-pitched sound and a textured feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, your decision should be based on your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a keyboard switch with a nearly aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid response and maximum speed, especially for gaming where milliseconds matter, the MX Speed Silver with its linear action and low spring resistance is the way to go. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided to further determine which switch aligns better with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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