Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Outemu Cream Blue present two distinct options to consider. The Box Royal stands out for its sharp, binary tactility, making it one of the most tactile switches available. If you prefer a highly tactile experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue lacks a specific standout feature but offers a more traditional clicky switch experience. If you're looking for a reliable clicky switch without any extreme characteristics, the Cream Blue might be the way to go. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Cream Blue switches utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings. This commonality means that both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel. The use of nylon in these switches creates a deeper and fuller sound, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of acoustics when comparing these two switches.
Despite both switches using nylon for their housing materials, the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Cream Blue may still have subtle differences in their typing feel due to variations in their housing designs. The bottom housing of a switch typically plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, any differences in the design or construction of the top and bottom housings between the two switches may result in nuanced distinctions in typing feedback and sound profile.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Cream Blue switches may have similar housing materials, any potential variations in their housing designs could lead to nuanced differences in typing experience. Both switches are likely to offer a deep and full sound profile characteristic of nylon housings, but users may find subtle variations in typing feel and sound feedback between the two switches. Ultimately, personal preference for typing experience and sound profile will play a significant role in determining which switch is preferred by individual users.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a lighter actuation force than the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, with 45 grams compared to 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal is heavier at 70 grams compared to the Cream Blue's 65 grams. This means that while the Cream Blue may require slightly more force to trigger a keystroke, it allows for a slightly lighter typing experience when fully pressed. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a tactile typing experience that some users prefer for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference and whether a lighter actuation force or a lighter bottom out force is preferred.
Travel distance
The Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cream Blue switch requires a slightly deeper press compared to the Box Royal. The Box Royal's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Cream Blue's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Cream Blue 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 high-pitched profile, which results in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is renowned for its sharp and intense tactile feedback. With a strong and crisp tactile bump, each keypress is distinctly felt, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a more aggressive tactility. Unfortunately, there is no information provided about the tactile feel of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch stands out for its sharp and binary tactility, high-pitched sound profile, and intense tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch does not have specific information available about its sound or feel. Ultimately, if you enjoy sharp tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch may be the preferred choice for you. However, it is important to consider all factors, including personal preference and typing style, when selecting the best mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a newcomer to mechanical keyboards and looking to choose between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider your preferences carefully. If you enjoy a sharp, aggressive tactile bump and a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a clicky switch without a specific standout feature, the Cream Blue could be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of tactility, sound, and overall typing experience. Choose wisely based on what characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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