Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer contrasting experiences for users. The Box Royal is favored for its incredibly tactile feel, providing a sharp and binary tactile sensation that some might describe as aggressive. If you enjoy a keyboard with pronounced tactile feedback and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow offers a completely different experience with a smooth and linear keystroke. With no tactile bump or audible click, these switches are ideal for those seeking a quieter 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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 Yellow, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Box Royal's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience, making the choice between the two switches a matter of personal preference based on desired sound qualities.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Box Royal and the Silent Yellow utilize nylon. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, as nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound. While the top housing material may differ between the two switches, those looking for a consistent sound profile when typing can expect similar results from the bottom housings of both the Box Royal and the Silent Yellow.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Silent Yellow boils down to the desired sound profile and typing experience. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Box Royal with its nylon top housing, while others who prefer a sharper and crisper sound may opt for the Silent Yellow with its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of bottom housing material, ensuring that users can expect similar sound profiles when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow switch is heavier in both aspects. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's 65 grams, making it more favorable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. Similarly, the Box Royal's bottom out force of 70 grams is also lighter than the Silent Yellow's 80 grams, indicating that it may provide a slightly softer typing experience overall. However, both switches still offer a medium to heavy feel, catering to users who enjoy a more tactile and forceful keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces in keyboard typing.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Yellow switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal. Typically, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for faster response times, so the Box Royal may be preferred in this case. However, some people may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer a switch with a bit more depth, like the Outemu Silent Yellow. In terms of travel distance, the Box Royal offers a shorter travel distance while the Outemu Silent Yellow provides a slightly longer one. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Yellow 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 provides a high-pitched sound profile that is sharp and crisp when pressed. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has no specific sound description available, but typically linear switches tend to be quieter compared to tactile switches. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp and intense tactile feedback, with a distinct tactile bump that can be felt with each keypress. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch. Linear switches like the Silent Yellow usually provide a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bumps.
Overall, if you prefer an aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter keystroke with a smooth feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches may be more suitable. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider the level of tactility you prefer and how much force you want to exert when typing. If you are looking for a highly tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Box Royal is the way to go. The sharp and binary tactility of the Box Royal will provide you with a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force with a linear feel and don't mind sacrificing tactility, the Silent Yellow may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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