Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Crystal Brown mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice the stark differences in their tactile feedback. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense tactility, providing a sharp and almost aggressive feedback that is appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Crystal Brown offers a more subtle tactile feedback, without any specific standout characteristics. The Box Royal also boasts a higher-pitched sound profile, adding an auditory element to the typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a strong and defined tactile bump, the Box Royal may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, those seeking a more understated tactile feel may find the Crystal Brown to be more to their liking. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
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 Crystal Brown, we can see that the Box Royal uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Crystal Brown utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The Box Royal's nylon housing is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic, offering a more clear and resonant sound. While the Box Royal's nylon bottom housing shares similar qualities with its top housing, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Box Royal's nylon top and bottom housing work together to create a deep and full sound with a softer feel, while the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing combination results in a sharp and clear sound with a slightly softer impact. The separation of housing materials in each switch allows for a nuanced sound experience, with the qualities of each material complementing each other to provide a well-rounded typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Crystal Brown ultimately boils down to personal preference in sound and feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Box Royal favoring a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon housing and the Crystal Brown providing a sharper and clearer sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate and nylon housing combination. Whether one prefers a softer, rounder sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches have something unique to offer in terms of typing experience and sound quality.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is the same at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Box Royal is heavier at 70 grams compared to the Crystal Brown at 55 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Crystal Brown offers a lighter touch for typing for extended periods of time. Both switches have a medium actuation force, but the Box Royal is heavier for bottoming out, while the Crystal Brown is lighter in this aspect. Ultimately, the weight difference between the two switches will cater to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keystroke sensation. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Brown being on the longer side. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
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 Crystal 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is best suited for those who prefer a higher-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, so it may offer a different auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is renowned for its sharp, binary tactility that provides a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. This makes them ideal for users seeking an intense tactile feedback while typing. The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a tactile description provided. Therefore, it is difficult to directly compare the feel of these switches without further information.
Overall, if you are someone who values a high-pitched sound and a sharp, aggressive tactility in a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be a suitable choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more muted sound and a different tactile feel, you might want to explore other options or gather more information on the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch to make an informed decision. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your typing needs.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you enjoy a sharp, aggressive tactile experience with a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile feel and are not as concerned with sound, the Crystal Brown could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable for you.
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