Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Peach. The Box Royal switch is best known for its exceptional tactility, offering a sharp and binary feedback that is almost aggressive. If you value a keyboard with a strong tactile feel, these switches are perfect for you. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches provide a unique experience with their lightweight and silencing features. These linear switches are perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience. The sound profile of the Box Royal is relatively higher pitched, while the Outemu Peach offers a more neutral and polished sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
The Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Outemu Peach have similar housing materials for both the top and bottom housings, which is nylon. This material is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar sound experience when typing, creating a rich and satisfying auditory feedback.
However, despite the similarities in housing material, the Box Royal and the Outemu Peach may still differ in terms of their overall performance and feel. While both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, other factors such as stem, spring, and overall construction can greatly affect the typing experience. Therefore, it is possible that the Box Royal and Outemu Peach may have different tactile feedback or actuation force, resulting in a distinct typing experience.
It is essential to consider that the top and bottom housings play different roles in a switch's performance. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the slight variations in housing materials between the Box Royal and the Outemu Peach may result in nuanced differences in these aspects. However, overall, both switches are likely to provide a comparable typing experience due to their shared use of nylon for their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of weight. The Kailh Box Royal has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Peach's 40 grams. This means that a slightly stronger push is required to trigger a keystroke on the Kailh Box Royal. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal is heavier at 70 grams compared to the Outemu Peach's 50 grams.
Considering weight as an important factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Outemu Peach switch. With its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, this switch offers a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. It would be ideal for those who need to type for extended periods of time, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial and tactile typing experience might prefer the Kailh Box Royal switch. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, this switch provides a stronger push feel, making it suitable for those who desire a more pronounced and satisfying keystroke. This switch would be well-suited for individuals who prioritize a tactile and immersive typing experience.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal switch is comparatively heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Outemu Peach switch offers a lighter typing experience. The choice between the two would depend on individual preferences, with the lighter Outemu Peach switch catering to those who prefer extended periods of typing and the heavier Kailh Box Royal switch appealing to those who seek a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is 3.6mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Peach linear switch is 3.3mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in keyboards. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. In this regard, the Outemu Peach switch may be the preferable option as it has a slightly shorter travel distance. However, it is important to note that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Kailh Box Royal switch with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch is best known for its high-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be preferred by those who don't like rich and bassy sound profiles. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is described as having a moderate and muted sound. It offers a quieter and softer sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The muted sound of the Outemu Peach switch is suitable for minimizing noise, making it more appropriate for shared spaces or if you simply prefer a quieter typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by a sharp tactile experience. These switches are known for their high feedback intensity, providing a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch offers a more mild and subtle feel. It provides a gentle typing experience with its safe middle-ground characteristics. The switch has a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Furthermore, the Outemu Peach switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, offering a sleek typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal switch has a high-pitched sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, making it suitable for those looking for an aggressive and distinct typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Peach switch provides a more neutral and muted sound, as well as a mild and polished feel. It is ideal for linear switch enthusiasts who prefer a feathery light typing experience with reduced noise.
Overall, if you are looking for a highly tactile switch with a sharp, binary tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal switch is a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight linear switch with a gentle typing experience and a more muted sound, the Outemu Peach switch would be a suitable option. It's important to consider your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who prefers a highly tactile typing experience and enjoys a sharper, more intense feedback with each keypress, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the perfect choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a satisfying resistance. They are best suited for those who appreciate aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more gentle typing experience, the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a feathery light typing experience. They are also silenced, making them ideal for those who prioritize a quieter keyboard. The Outemu Peach switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild, subtle feel that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, they provide a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your preference for tactility, bottom out force, sound profile, and overall typing feel.