Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Kailh Box Royal and Outemu Purple mechanical keyboard switches, a clear distinction can be made based on their tactile characteristics. The Box Royal stands out for its sharp and intense tactility, making it a top choice for those who prefer a strong tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch offers a more subdued tactile experience without any specific standout features. The Box Royal is also noted for its higher-pitched sound profile, adding an auditory element to the typing experience. 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
2.00 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
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Purple switches have key differences in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the keyboard.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Box Royal and the Outemu Purple switches use nylon. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that typing on switches with either the Box Royal or Outemu Purple will result in a consistent sound profile in terms of depth and fullness, regardless of other differences in the housing materials.
It is important to note that the split between the top and bottom housing materials can impact how the sound and feel of the switch are perceived. The bottom housing material will have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material will affect the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings emphasizes the importance of considering both materials when choosing a switch for a customized keyboard build, as each material brings its own unique characteristics to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch differ slightly. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Purple's 50 grams, making it slightly easier to initiate a keystroke. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Purple is unknown. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Box Royal for its lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Purple, as it potentially offers a stronger push feel despite the unknown bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference between the two. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Box Royal may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Purple may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, with the Box Royal being the shorter option and the Purple being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal 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 Purple 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 profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound with each press. On the other hand, information regarding the Outemu Purple tactile switch sound profile is unavailable. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the overall keyboard setup and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Box Royal switch offers a sharp and intense tactile feedback, with a distinct and prominent tactile bump felt with every keypress. Conversely, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Purple switch are not provided. If you prefer a switch with a strong tactile response, the Box Royal would be a suitable choice based on the available information.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Outemu Purple tactile switches offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Box Royal is praised for its aggressive tactility, high-pitched sound, and sharp tactile feedback. On the other hand, specific information about the Outemu Purple switch is limited. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile feel, as well as considering other factors like keyboard setup and keycaps to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider the level of tactility and bottom out force that best suits your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and extremely sharp and aggressive tactility, the Box Royal may 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 not concerned with a specific sound or feel profile, the Outemu Purple could be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
