Kailh Box Royal vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Kailh Box Royal and the Haimu Neo White. The Box Royal is a tactile switch known for its sharp, binary tactility, making it ideal for those seeking an aggressive typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Neo White is a linear switch with a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a smooth and satisfying typing feel with the help of a Ly stem for a remarkable actuation. If you prefer a more tactile typing experience, the Box Royal may be the way to go, while the Neo White offers a smoother and more neutral typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Haimu Neo White, one can see a clear difference in the materials used. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Neo White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and Neo White feature nylon material. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. While the bottom housing may not have as significant of an impact on the sound when compared to the top housing, it still plays a role in contributing to the overall typing experience. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent feel and sound quality throughout the keystroke.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches like the Box Royal and Neo White comes down to personal preference. Nylon offers a softer and more rounded sound profile, while polycarbonate provides a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, which may be desirable for those who prioritize aesthetics in their keyboard setup. Ultimately, both housing materials have their own unique characteristics that can influence the typing experience and sound of the switch, making it important to consider these factors when selecting a switch for your keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it's clear that the Box Royal is the heavier of the two. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo White has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Neo White, as it requires less force to bottom out. In contrast, the Box Royal offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing force and key feel. Whether opting for a lighter or heavier switch, users can expect a consistent typing experience based on the specific force characteristics of each switch.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience, whether they are using the Box Royal tactile switch or the Neo White linear switch. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, making them equally suitable options for those who prefer a 3.6 mm 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70.
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 high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. This may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch provides a neutral sound experience, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and can adapt well to various environments such as work or home settings.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump that is prominent with each keypress. This intense feedback may be preferred by those who appreciate a highly tactile typing experience. Conversely, the Haimu Neo White switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, with a smooth actuation due to the rare use of a Ly stem. The overall feel of this switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users who may not prefer an overly pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal switch stands out for its aggressive tactility and sharp sound profile, appealing to those who seek a highly tactile and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a medium weight and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users in various settings. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a sharp and intense tactile feel or a smoother and more neutral typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the level of tactility and weight preference that suits your typing style. If you prefer a highly tactile and medium-heavy switch with a sharp feedback intensity and higher pitched sound, the Box Royal would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a slightly reduced total travel for a smoother actuation, a gentle typing experience, and a neutral sound profile, the Neo White would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
