Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and Outemu Green offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box Royal is celebrated for its exceptionally sharp and binary tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for users who crave an aggressive tactile sensation with each keystroke. This switch's higher-pitched sound profile adds to its distinctive character, enhancing the typing experience for those who appreciate pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Green, known for its clicky nature, provides an audible click with each press, making it a favored option for typists who enjoy a pronounced auditory cue. While the Greens may not have the same level of tactical sharpness as the Box Royals, they offer a satisfying, classic mechanical typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: whether you lean towards the tactile aggression of the Box Royals or the engaging click of the Outemu Greens. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Green switches, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its softer properties. This softness contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that many typists find appealing, as it absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Outemu Green utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This material is significantly stiffer than nylon, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. As a result, the auditory experience when typing on the Outemu Green is characterized by a clearer and more resonant sound, especially notable during the release of a key. Notably, should a user prioritize RGB lighting, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate housing provides a more vibrant illumination compared to the opaque nylon.
Despite the differences in their top housings, the Kailh Box Royal and Outemu Green share a commonality in their bottom housing, both made from nylon. This similarity enhances the typing experience for both switches, as nylon's inherent qualities confer a deeper and rounder sound profile during the act of bottoming out. The softness of the nylon bottom housing excels in absorbing impacts, which aligns with users seeking a more muted and smooth feedback when striking the keys. Therefore, while the top housing introduces distinct audio characteristics, the shared nylon at the bottom ensures that both switches produce a satisfying tactile feel and sound upon actuation, fostering a comfortable typing experience.
Ultimately, the sound and feel of each switch result from the interplay between their top and bottom housing materials. The Kailh Box Royal’s nylon top contributes to its unique sound profile with an emphasis on softness, while the Outemu Green's polycarbonate top accentuates clarity and resonance. With both switches equipped with nylon bottoms, users can confidently expect a consistent sensation when bottoming out. Thus, while the two switches deliver different auditory experiences owing to their top housings, the shared material in the bottom housing guarantees a level of coherence, helping users appreciate the distinct attributes of each switch while still enjoying a consistent tactile feedback and acoustics during their typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, to the Outemu Green clicky switch which has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, clear distinctions in weight and feel emerge. The Box Royal is notably lighter, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience over extended periods, such as during long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the heavier Outemu Green switch provides a more substantial tactile feedback, ideal for users who favor a stronger push feel while typing. Both switches feature distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, with the Box Royal being medium-heavy, while the Green is categorized as heavy. Hence, users looking for a lighter, less fatiguing experience should lean towards the Kailh Box Royal, whereas those desiring a firmer, more pronounced feedback may prefer the Outemu Green.
Travel distance
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, the travel distances reveal a notable difference in their design and feel. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Green features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Outemu Green provides a greater depth when pressed, which can be appealing for users who prefer a more substantial tactile response. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal, with its shorter travel distance, offers a more responsive feel that gamers might favor for quicker actions. Therefore, if you're looking for a swifter response time, the Kailh Box Royal is the shorter option, whereas for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke, the Outemu Green is the longer choice.
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 Green 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 switch produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound that can be very satisfying for users who prefer a more aggressive auditory feedback. This tonal quality can be particularly appealing to those who find deeper, bassy sounds produced by other switches less enjoyable. While the Outemu Green switch does not have a specified sound profile provided, it's common for clicky switches in general to create a pronounced auditory feedback. However, without specific details, it's hard to make a direct sound comparison. Ultimately, sound recognition can also vary depending on the keyboard's construction and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal shines with its sharp tactile feedback. This switch features a strong and distinct tactile bump, delivering a high feedback intensity that ensures you can feel each keypress distinctly. This characteristic makes the Box Royal an excellent choice for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Green switch, making it difficult to assess how it matches up against the Box Royal in terms of tactile feedback.
In summary, if you're looking for an aggressive tactile experience coupled with a high-pitched auditory feedback, the Kailh Box Royal is an ideal option. However, due to the lack of specific details regarding the Outemu Green's sound and feel qualities, it's difficult to determine how these two switches compare conclusively. Ultimately, if you're drawn to strong tactile sensations and a precise sound profile, the Box Royal stands out, while the Green may or may not fulfill similar expectations depending on the unknown variables.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch depends largely on your typing preferences and the kind of feedback you desire from your keyboard. If you gravitate towards a more aggressive tactile experience, the Box Royals may be the ideal choice for you. Their medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, coupled with sharp tactile feedback and a high-pitched sound, creates a distinct and pronounced sensation with each keystroke, making them excellent for intense typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer pressing experience and enjoy a heavier overall feel, you might find the Outemu Green switches more suitable. With a bottom-out force of 80 grams, they require a bit more effort to actuate and may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial key press. Ultimately, if fanfare and audible click are not priorities for you, the Box Royals' crisp tactile feedback could enhance your typing accuracy without overwhelming you with sound. Conversely, if you prefer the assertive sound profile and feedback typically associated with heavier switches, the Outemu Green becomes a compelling option. So, consider what aspects of the tactile experience and actuation force resonate with your personal preferences to make an informed choice.
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