Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Outemu Milk Tea both fall into the tactile category, offering a satisfying typing experience. The Box Royal stands out for its intense tactility, providing a sharp and binary feedback that is perfect for those who crave a highly tactile typing experience. Additionally, its higher-pitched sound profile adds to the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea doesn't have a specific standout feature but delivers a reliable tactile response. If you prefer a more subtle tactile feel without any additional characteristics, the Milk Tea could 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

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Milk Tea, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality suggests that typing on both switches will result in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile, due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Box Royal is described as producing a duller and rounder sound due to the nylon material, while the Milk Tea offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks, highlighting a difference in the sound experience between the two switches.

While both the Box Royal and the Milk Tea share the use of nylon for their top and bottom housing materials, the way in which the properties of nylon manifest in these switches can be quite distinct. The Box Royal is noted for its deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more subdued typing experience with a duller and rounder sound when compared to the Milk Tea's bright sound signature with resonant clacks. This contrast in sound characteristics showcases how similar housing materials can result in different auditory experiences depending on the switch design and construction.

The split between the top and bottom housing qualities in a switch design can significantly impact the overall typing experience. With the Box Royal and the Milk Tea utilizing nylon for both their top and bottom housings, the properties of this material will be felt and heard throughout the typing process. The bottom housing's influence on the bottom-out sound and feel combined with the top housing's impact on the sound upon key release will shape the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch, showcasing how subtle differences in housing materials can result in unique typing experiences.

Weight

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in that aspect. However, the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience, while the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is unknown. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of both switches for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Box Royal for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Box Royal due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milk Tea. Both switches offer a tactile experience, but the slight difference in travel distance may appeal to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance in your typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Overall, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp, almost aggressive tactility and higher pitched sound profile. These switches provide a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have as much information available about its sound and feel qualities. However, based on what is known, it appears that the Milk Tea may not offer the same level of sharpness and aggressiveness in tactility as the Box Royal. If you prefer a switch with a more intense and sharp tactile feedback, the Box Royal would likely be the better choice for you. Remember, the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard, keycaps, and typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switches, consider your preference for tactile feedback and bottom out force. If you prefer a sharp and aggressive tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, the Box Royal would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force and are open to a different tactile experience, the Outemu Milk Tea could be a unique option to explore. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the feel and sound profile you are aiming for in your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more