Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Milk Blue mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes clear that they offer distinct experiences for users. The Kailh Box Royal is a tactile switch known for its sharp, binary tactility, making it perfect for those seeking a nearly aggressive tactile feedback. Additionally, the Box Royal has a relatively higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch that lacks a specific standout feature but still offers a satisfying typing experience. If you are someone who enjoys a softer sound profile, the Milk Blue 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Milk Blue, it is evident that they use different materials for their top housings. The Box Royal utilizes nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Milk Blue employs polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the Box Royal's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing delivers a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Box Royal and the Milk Blue feature nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel when it comes to the bottom housing. The impact of the nylon bottom housing can be felt more prominently in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, creating a duller and rounder sound similar to the nylon top housing's contribution.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Milk Blue plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The different top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate result in distinct sound profiles, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound while polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound. However, with both switches featuring nylon in their bottom housings, the typing experience remains consistent in terms of sound quality and feel. Whether using switches with nylon or polycarbonate housing materials, users can expect a reliable and satisfying typing experience, with each material offering its own unique characteristics to enhance the overall sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Box Royal requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Milk Blue's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal is heavier at 70 grams, whereas the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. The Box Royal offers a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Milk Blue's force remains a mystery. As weight can impact typing comfort and endurance, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Box Royal for prolonged typing sessions, while others may gravitate towards the heavier feel of the Milk Blue for a more substantial typing experience.Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Box Royal has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milk Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Milk Blue provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Box Royal being the shorter option and the Milk Blue being the longer choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Milk 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 sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound with each keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have a specified sound profile. The sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Box Royal switch is characterized by a sharp and binary tactility, offering a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue switch does not have a specified feel. If you prefer a switch with a highly tactile feedback, the Box Royal would be a suitable choice for you.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with an aggressive and sharp tactile feedback, along with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal option. However, if you are unsure about the feel and sound preferences, experimenting with both switches on different boards and keycaps may provide a clearer understanding of which switch suits your preferences best. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you value a strong, sharp tactility in your keyboard switches and prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches are perfect for those who enjoy a more aggressive tactile experience and a distinct feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a lighter touch and a different sound profile, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of tactility and sound profile. Make sure to consider your typing style and preferred key feel when selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
