Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Dustproof Red offer unique features for different preferences. The Box Royal is hailed for its intense tactility, providing a sharp and binary keystroke that is nearly aggressive in feel. With a higher-pitched sound profile, these switches are perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red by Outemu doesn't have a specific standout feature but is known for its smooth linear feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with no tactile bump, these switches might be more appealing. 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
60g
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 Dustproof Red, one can see that they both use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Dustproof Red features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material in the Dustproof Red's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Box Royal's nylon top housing.
Furthermore, the use of polycarbonate in the Dustproof Red's top housing allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile overall, particularly beneficial if utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Box Royal contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. While both switches have similar nylon bottom housings, the differences in their top housings lead to distinct sound characteristics when using the switches. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch will influence both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Dustproof Red play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound, the use of polycarbonate in the Dustproof Red's top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Box Royal's nylon top housing. The differences in housing materials between the two switches result in distinct typing experiences, with the qualities of the top and bottom housings influencing the sound and feel of each keypress. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials is key to choosing a switch that aligns with your preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Dustproof Red's 60 grams. The Box Royal provides a medium-heavy typing experience, requiring a firmer press to bottom out, while the Dustproof Red offers a medium typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Dustproof Red may be the better option, as it allows for longer typing sessions without as much finger fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Box Royal for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Box Royal has the shorter travel distance compared to the Dustproof Red. The Box Royal's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a deeper key press. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance for your specific needs.
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 Dustproof Red 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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, the most notable difference lies in the tactile feedback. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp, binary tactility, offering an almost aggressive tactile experience. This results in a distinct and intense tactile bump that can be felt with each keypress. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red switch does not have any specific information available regarding its tactile feedback.
Moving on to sound, the Box Royal is characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. In contrast, there is no information available on the sound profile of the Dustproof Red switch. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In conclusion, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a sharp and aggressive tactile feedback along with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a linear switch with a smoother keystroke and quieter operation, the specific qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Red switch remain unknown, so it's advised to gather more information or try them out personally to determine the best fit for your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're seeking a switch with an intense tactile feedback and a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear feel with a slightly lighter actuation force and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for tactility, sound, and typing feel. Make sure to consider these factors carefully before making your choice to ensure the best keyboard switch experience for your needs.
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