Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Brown mechanical keyboard switches, one notable difference lies in their tactility. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp and aggressive tactility, offering a highly tactile typing experience ideal for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch provides a more subtle tactile bump, making it a more versatile option for users who enjoy tactile feedback without it being overwhelming. Additionally, the Box Royal has a higher pitched sound profile compared to the Brown switch. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Brown, it is clear that there are significant differences in the type of plastic 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. In contrast, the Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. This variation in materials leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch, with the Box Royal producing a duller and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant sound of the Outemu Brown.
While the top housings of the two switches differ in material, both the Box Royal and the Outemu Brown share a nylon bottom housing. This commonality means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile stemming from the softer plastic's sound absorption properties. Despite the bottom housings being identical, the contrasting top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate still play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. Therefore, even with a shared bottom housing, the nuanced differences in the top housing materials contribute significantly to the overall typing experience and sound output of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Brown comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal provides a more subdued and rounded sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Brown offers a clearer and sharper sound. Both switches excel in different aspects, with the Box Royal having a deeper bottom-out sound influenced by its housing material, while the Outemu Brown boasts a crisper release sound accentuated by its top housing. Regardless of the differences in materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Kailh Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Brown's 53 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Brown has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to reduce fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming, the Kailh Box Royal may be the preferred option. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown offers a slightly heavier actuation force for those who desire a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, we see that the Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Outemu Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal switch. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel of the switch when typing or gaming. The Box Royal with its shorter travel distance may provide a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial keypress feel, ideal for those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Brown 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
In sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. Depending on personal preference, the higher-pitched sound of the Box Royal may be preferable for those who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback while typing.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by its sharp and binary tactility, providing a nearly aggressive tactile experience. The tactile bump is strong and prominent, giving a distinct feedback with each keypress. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch. For individuals seeking a highly tactile typing experience, the sharp and intense feedback of the Box Royal may be more desirable.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offers a sharp and high-pitched sound profile along with a sharp and intense tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a more aggressive typing experience. On the other hand, the qualities of the Outemu Brown tactile switch are unknown, so it is challenging to make a direct comparison. However, based on the available information, individuals looking for a tactile switch with strong feedback and a sharp sound may find the Kailh Box Royal to be a suitable option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the level of tactility you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp, aggressive tactile bump and a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal would be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Brown switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for tactility and sound when selecting between these two switches.
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