Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, it's important to consider the key differences between the two. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense tactility, offering a sharp and binary feel that is ideal for those who prefer a highly tactile typing experience. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile of the Box Royals adds to their unique characteristics. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switches do not have a specific standout feature but are known for their clicky feedback. If you're seeking a switch with a satisfying click while typing, the Gold switches may 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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 Gold, we can see a significant difference between the two. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Gold utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound quality can make a difference in typing experience, with the Box Royal offering a more muted and rounded sound while the Gold delivers a clearer and resonant sound. However, both switches benefit from the classic nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile common in both switches.
While both the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Gold share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, their top housing materials set them apart. The Box Royal's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the softer plastic's ability to absorb sound. In comparison, the Gold's nylon bottom housing also offers a deeper and fuller sound, showcasing the same qualities of the nylon material. Despite the similarities in the bottom housing material, the difference in top housing materials between the two switches influences the overall sound profile and typing experience.
The split design of the top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Gold allows for a unique typing experience. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing are felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division in housing materials provides a balance in sound quality and typing feel, with each housing material contributing to different aspects of the overall typing experience. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing, each material plays a vital role in creating a distinct typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal is heavier at 70 grams, while the Gold is slightly lighter at 60 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, which may be preferred by some users looking for a significant push feel. On the other hand, the Gold switch offers a lighter bottom out force, making it a more comfortable option for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends 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, which is shorter than the Outemu Gold clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal will provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Box Royal being shorter and the Gold clicky switch being longer in terms of travel distance.
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 Gold 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 sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. This can be ideal for those who prefer a more distinct and clear sound compared to deeper, bassy tones. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound profile is currently unavailable, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is highly regarded for its sharp and binary tactility, providing a strong and intense tactile feedback with each keypress. This can be appealing to users who enjoy a more aggressive tactile sensation while typing. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not available at this time, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of feel.
Overall, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a sharp and crisp tactile feedback accompanied by a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is recommended to further research or try out the switch yourself to determine its specific qualities in terms of sound and feel. In the end, selecting the right switch ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, you should consider your preferences for tactility and sound. If you prefer a switch with a sharp, aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium tactile experience with a lower pitched sound, the Outemu Gold switch would be a better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and auditory feedback.
Mentioned in this article
