Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron New North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron New North Pole V2. These switches offer contrasting experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box Royal is best known for its intense tactility, providing a sharp and binary tactile feel that is perfect for those seeking a highly responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Box Royal produces a relatively higher pitched sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 no longer comes with a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing feel. However, Gateron has ensured that this switch maintains its hallmark feature of a frictionless typing experience, giving users a polished and creamy glide that has become beloved by many. Both switches have their unique strengths and characteristics, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch is the best fit for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.25 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron New North Pole V2 have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Box Royal uses a nylon material for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material of the Box Royal absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer nature, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate material for both its top and bottom housings. This material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced.

In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows the RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual experience. However, the Box Royal does not offer this feature as its top housing is made of nylon. Therefore, if RGB lighting is an important factor for you, the New North Pole V2 might be a more suitable choice.

When it comes to the feel of the switch, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. As both switches have different materials for their bottom housing, the Box Royal's nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, while the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing will create a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing has a more significant influence on the sound when you release a key. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal will contribute to a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 will produce a clearer and resonant sound.

In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron New North Pole V2 differ in their impact on the sound profile and aesthetics. The Box Royal's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate material is more suitable for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Additionally, the feel of the switch is influenced by the bottom and top housing materials, with the Box Royal offering a deeper bottom-out sound and the New North Pole V2 providing a sharper bottom-out sound. Lastly, the sound when releasing a key is affected by the top housing, with the Box Royal resulting in a duller sound and the New North Pole V2 producing a clearer sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Box Royal is slightly lighter, at 45 grams, while the New North Pole V2 requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Box Royal requiring 70 grams and the New North Pole V2 requiring 62.5 grams. This means that the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force compared to the New North Pole V2.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the lighter actuation force of the Box Royal might be more appealing as it allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the New North Pole V2 with its slightly heavier actuation force.

It is worth noting that although the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, they both fall under the medium weight category. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, the overall typing experience would likely be similar in terms of force required for keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch can greatly impact the typing or gaming experience. In this case, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm.

In terms of travel distance, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is longer than the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch. The 4 mm travel distance of the Gateron switch falls into the more traditional range, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Kailh switch is slightly shorter, which may appeal to gamers seeking a faster response time.

It's worth noting that while shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt, while others may prefer the deeper feel of a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a high-pitched profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, there is no specific information about the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. This means that you will experience a strong and distinct tactile bump with each key press. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is described as "polished," "creamy," and "frictionless." These descriptors indicate that the switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and effortless key travel. The Gateron switch aims to provide a seamless glide and smoothness that many users appreciate.

Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Box Royal offers an aggressive and sharp tactility with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a frictionless typing feel with a polished, creamy, and smooth experience. Therefore, if you prefer a highly tactile switch with a sharp sound, the Box Royal is a suitable choice. However, if you lean towards a smooth and seamless typing experience, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is an excellent option.

It is worth mentioning that while the descriptions highlight the unique characteristics of each switch, it is important to consider personal preferences and the overall build of your keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron New North Pole V2 will depend on your individual preferences for tactility, sound, and typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize an aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the perfect choice for you. With its sharp, binary tactility, these switches provide a distinctive feedback intensity that some users enjoy. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with reduced friction, the New North Pole V2 is a great option. Gateron has maintained the seamless glide and smoothness that users love, resulting in a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing feel. Ultimately, consider your desired level of tactility, sound profile, and smoothness to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more