Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a truly tactile typing experience, look no further than the Kailh Box Royal. These switches are known for their incredibly sharp and binary tactility, providing an almost aggressive response with each keystroke. Additionally, the Box Royals produce a higher pitched sound profile, adding to the satisfying feedback of typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Gateron Oil King is the switch for you. Renowned for their buttery smoothness, these linear switches offer a sound profile reminiscent of a snapping dark chocolate bar. With its low-pitched and creamy characteristics, the Oil Kings provide a more subtle and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Oil King both utilize nylon as the material for their top housing. This classic switch housing material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will provide similar sound characteristics due to the use of nylon in their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Kailh Box Royal also features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. Similar to the top housing, the softness of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King incorporates their proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing. This unique blend is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. The resulting sound is described as clacky, providing a satisfying and distinct typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch, the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Oil King share similarities in their top housing material. Both switches, with their nylon top housing, are expected to offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the differences arise in the bottom housing, where the Kailh Box Royal's nylon material emphasizes the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Gateron Oil King's INK blend provides a unique and satisfyingly clacky sound. So, while there may be similarities in some aspects, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on the desired typing experience and personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Box Royal is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Oil King's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Royal is heavier, requiring 70 grams of force compared to the Oil King's 65 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box Royal would be a suitable option as its lower actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without experiencing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for work environments or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Oil King's heavier actuation force may be preferred.
It's worth noting that both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, so they provide a satisfying tactile feedback to users. Despite the subtle variations in force, both switches offer a similar level of responsiveness and precision. Therefore, if an individual is after a keyboard with a similar weight and force feel, they could expect comparable results from either the Box Royal or the Oil King.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, we find that the Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. The Box Royal offers a shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a slightly deeper and more pronounced feel with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences; those who value a quicker response may lean towards the Box Royal, while those who prefer a more satisfying depth may opt for the Oil King. Regardless, both switches offer different experiences, catering to varying needs in the world of key switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50.
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 best known for its sharp, binary tactility, making it a great choice for those who prefer an aggressive tactile feeling. When it comes to sound, the Box Royal produces a relatively higher pitched sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is highly regarded for its buttery smoothness and offers a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. The Oil King has a low-pitched sound profile that leans towards a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal provides a sharp tactile feedback with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Meanwhile, the Oil King is known for offering a smooth and silky typing experience, with descriptors such as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Oil King switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a highly tactile switch with a sharper sound, the Box Royal would be a suitable choice. If you lean towards a smoother, buttery typing experience with a lower-pitched sound profile, the Oil King would be a great option.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire. It is recommended to try out both switches, if possible, to determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a sharp and distinct tactile bump with every keypress, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Gateron Oil King linear switches would be a great fit. These switches are known for their creamy and silky feel, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the low-pitched and bassy sound profile adds a touch of depth and richness to your typing. Ultimately, the decision between the Box Royal and Oil King switches will depend on whether you prioritize aggressive tactility and higher pitched sound, or smoothness and a low-pitched sound profile.
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