Kailh Box Royal vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Cherry Nixie offer unique experiences for users. The Box Royal is a tactile switch known for its sharp and binary tactility, making it perfect for those seeking a more aggressive typing experience. With a relatively higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is ideal for users who prioritize tactile feedback in their typing. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is a linear switch that is celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing experience. Incorporating modern innovations while maintaining a traditional feel, the Nixies offer a smooth and low-pitched typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry Nixie are both made of nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With both switches utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent typing experience with a similar sound profile from each switch.
While both the Box Royal and the Nixie feature nylon top and bottom housings, the slight variations in design may result in subtle differences in sound and feel. The bottom housing of a switch typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite sharing the same housing material, the arrangement of these components could lead to nuanced disparities in the typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the use of nylon as the housing material for both the Kailh Box Royal and the Cherry Nixie switches highlights the importance of material selection in keyboard construction. The soft and sound-absorbing properties of nylon contribute to a pleasant typing experience, offering a satisfying depth and richness to the sound profile. Whether using the Box Royal or the Nixie, users can expect a similar level of tactile feedback and acoustic ambiance that enhances their typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that the Nixie switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Box Royal switch. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This makes the Nixie switch more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal switch is lighter in terms of force, making it ideal for those who want to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Nixie. A shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 tactile feedback. This results in a high-pitched sound profile when the keys are pressed, producing a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a more traditional, textured typing experience with substantial heft. The Nixie produces a thocky, low-pitched sound, giving a deep and rich tone when pressed.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal switch offers a sharp tactile bump that is strong and crisp, providing a distinct feedback intensity with each keypress. In contrast, the Nixie switch is described as textured, with noticeable friction when pressed. This texture may offer a different typing experience compared to the smoother feel of the Box Royal switch.
Overall, if you prefer a high-pitched sound profile and intense tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, if you enjoy a thocky, low-pitched sound and a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie linear switch would suit your preferences better. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider all factors when choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with aggressive tactile feedback and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy bottom out force, a thocky sound profile, and a textured typing experience, then the Cherry Nixie linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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