Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Green are two popular switches that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Box Royal is a tactile switch that is all about providing a pronounced tactile feedback. With a sharp and binary tactility, these switches are perfect for those who enjoy a more aggressive feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is a linear switch that doesn't have any specific defining characteristics. If you prefer a quieter typing experience and don't mind sacrificing tactile feedback, the Silent Green might be more suitable for you. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Green, we can see that the main difference lies in the material used for both the top and bottom housings. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon housing for both the top and bottom, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Silent Green features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic. The choice of housing material will significantly impact the sound and feel of each key press, with nylon offering a more rounded sound and polycarbonate producing a more clear and resonant sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Kailh Box Royal and Outemu Silent Green switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Box Royal create a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Silent Green result in a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the use of clear polycarbonate in the Silent Green allows for RGB lighting compatibility, making it a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboards with lighting effects. Overall, while the sound profiles may vary between the two switches, both offer a solid typing experience based on the qualities of their respective housing materials.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it's essential to acknowledge that the characteristics of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with the softer nylon of the Box Royal providing a deeper sensation compared to the stiffer polycarbonate of the Silent Green. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, with the polycarbonate creating a crisper sound compared to the duller sound produced by nylon. Understanding how each part of the housing contributes to the overall typing experience can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting the right switch for their preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally sensitive in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when comparing their bottom out forces, the Box Royal requires a heavier 70 grams of force compared to the Silent Green's 60 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Silent Green offers a slightly lighter touch. People who prefer a lighter weight switch may find the Silent Green more comfortable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a heavier feel may lean towards the Box Royal for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers who require rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch provides a more substantial keypress with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more deliberate and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance to achieve the desired typing feel and response time.
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 Silent Green 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
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is renowned for its sharp and binary tactility, making it one of the most tactile options available. This switch offers a nearly aggressive tactile experience, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback with each keypress. The sound profile of the Box Royal is relatively higher pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when activated.
On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch lacks specific information on its tactile feel and sound profile. However, as a linear switch, it is likely to provide a smooth and consistent typing experience without the tactile bump present in the Box Royal. The lack of detailed description may indicate a quieter operation compared to the Box Royal, which is known for its high-pitched sound profile.
Overall, if you prefer an extremely tactile and high-pitched sound experience, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and potentially quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch may be more suitable. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for your needs, so trying out both options firsthand is recommended to find the perfect fit for your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a very tactile typing experience with a higher bottom out force, then the Kailh Box Royal switches would be a great choice for you. They offer sharp and aggressive tactility along with a relatively higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Outemu Silent Green switches might be more suitable for you. They provide a linear feel without a tactile bump and are quieter in comparison. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of tactility, sound, and typing feel. Consider your typing style and environment when choosing between these two switches.
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