Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Black can greatly impact your typing experience. The Kailh Box Royal is renowned for its incredibly tactile feedback, offering a sharp and binary tactility that is unmatched by many other switches. If you prefer a keyboard with aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, the Outemu Black is a linear switch that doesn't have any specific standout features but provides a smooth and consistent typing experience. While the Box Royal excels in tactile feedback, the Outemu Black offers a more traditional typing feel. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Black differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Black utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering an aesthetically pleasing option.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Black use nylon. This shared material results in a similar typing experience, where the softer nature of nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. While the top housing may differ between the two switches, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The softer nature of nylon used in both the Box Royal and the Black's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the top housing material – whether nylon in the Box Royal or polycarbonate in the Black – adds nuances to the sound, such as sharpness or crispness. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on a switch's sound profile can help enthusiasts make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing feel and sound aesthetics.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Black linear switch's heavier actuation force of 65 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal requires 70 grams while the Outemu Black needs 82 grams. This makes the Box Royal a medium-heavy switch and the Outemu Black a heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Kailh Box Royal, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Outemu Black for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Box Royal will require slightly less distance to actuate compared to the Black switch. However, both switches fall within the typical range of travel distances for mechanical keyboards. Gamers may prefer the Box Royal for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while others may prefer the deeper feel of the Outemu Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the Outemu Black comes in at $3.10.
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 tactile switch is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, giving a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, little is known about the sound profile of the Outemu Black linear switch. The sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, so it's important to consider your entire keyboard setup when comparing sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by a sharp and binary tactility, providing a strong and distinct tactile bump with each key press. Conversely, there is no information available about the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch. As with sound, the feel of a switch can be affected by different factors such as keycap material and keyboard build.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with an intense and sharp tactile feedback accompanied by a higher-pitched sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a linear switch with a different feel and sound profile, the Outemu Black switch could also be a suitable option. Make sure to consider all aspects of your typing experience when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure it aligns with your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences for tactility and bottom out force. If you prefer a sharp, aggressive tactility with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Box Royal would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force without any tactile feedback, the Black switch might be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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