Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, the main difference lies in the level of tactility they offer. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense tactile feedback, with a sharp and binary tactility that is perfect for those who prefer a more aggressive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch that offers a less pronounced tactile bump, providing a more subtle typing feel. If you enjoy a high-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is the way to go, while the Ocean remains quieter due to its smooth tactility. 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Ocean have different materials used for their housing, with the Box Royal utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housing, and the Ocean using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Box Royal is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a more clear and resonant profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
Although both switches have nylon bottom housings, the impact they have on the overall sound and feel may vary due to the different top housing materials. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing in both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, creating a more rounded and dull sound. However, the differences in the top housing materials will have a more significant impact depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it. The split between the qualities each housing material brings to the switch results in a unique typing experience for each switch.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Ocean are different, both switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The nylon housing of the Box Royal produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Ocean creates a sharper and more resonant sound. The choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel, as well as any preference for RGB lighting aesthetics that the polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean can provide.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, we can see some key differences. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ocean's 55 grams, making the Box Royal the lighter of the two. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal requires a heavier force of 70 grams, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Ocean may be the better option, as it has a higher actuation force but a potentially lighter bottom out force, since it is unknown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a good choice for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Ocean provides a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ocean being slightly longer. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Ocean 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 offers a higher-pitched and sharp sound profile, giving off a crisp and distinct noise with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is highly tactile with a sharp and intense feedback, providing a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keystroke. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Ocean switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, if you are looking for a highly tactile switch with a sharp feedback and a higher-pitched sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are considering the Outemu Ocean switch, it is important to note that subjective qualities such as feel and sound may vary and are not well-documented. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches firsthand may be the best way to determine which one suits your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch or the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for tactility and sound. If you are looking for a switch with a sharp and aggressive tactility, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a bottom out force of 70 grams, then the Kailh Box Royal may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force and are not concerned with extreme tactility or sound profile, the Outemu Ocean could be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience.
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