Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Grey both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp and aggressive tactility, providing a highly tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a quieter typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a satisfying and silent switch. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Grey, we can see that one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Silent Grey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This contrast in top housing material leads to distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sounds.
Despite the difference in top housing material, both the Box Royal and Silent Grey switches share a nylon bottom housing. This commonality means that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a deeper and fuller typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, creating a consistent typing experience across these two switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will get similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and sound produced while typing.
It is important to note that the properties of the housing materials in these switches play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that each part contributes differently to the sound and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key. This nuanced interplay between the housing materials ultimately shapes the overall typing experience and caters to the diverse preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Silent Grey has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Box Royal suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey may be more appealing to those who prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy category, offering a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Royal has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal offers a slightly shallower press compared to the Silent Grey, which may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a deeper press, which can be preferred by those looking for a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, but the difference in travel distance may cater to different preferences for typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for travel distance and keypress 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 Silent Grey 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 characterized by a high-pitched profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for its quiet operation, offering a more subdued typing experience. If you prefer a louder and sharper sound profile, the Box Royal would be the better option for you, whereas if you value a quieter typing experience, the Silent Grey would be more suitable.
As for feel, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is defined by its sharp tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. In contrast, information on the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is not available. If you are seeking a highly tactile and pronounced feedback with each keystroke, the Box Royal would be a great choice based on the provided information.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal excels in sharp tactile feedback and a higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more aggressive tactility and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize a satisfying yet silent operation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as keyboard build and keycap selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values extreme tactility in your keyboard switches and doesn't mind a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for tactility and sound.
Mentioned in this article
