Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with a satisfying tactile feedback, you may want to consider the Kailh Box Royal. These switches are renowned for their incredibly crisp and pronounced tactility, making them ideal for those who prefer a more aggressive typing experience. Additionally, the Box Royals offer a higher-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall sensory experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a clicky switch that stands out from the crowd, the Outemu Phoenix should catch your attention. Featuring a unique under-skirt click mechanism, these switches provide a distinct crunchiness and polished feel when typing. The sound they produce is both crystal-clear and sparkling, giving your typing experience a touch of elegance. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Phoenix differ in terms of their housing materials. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Phoenix uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it ideal for those who wish to utilize this feature.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Box Royal and the Phoenix also vary. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the deeper and fuller sound produced by the switch. The nylon's softness absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Phoenix employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when pressed. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel.
When both the top and bottom housings are different in a switch, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction allows for switches like the Box Royal and the Phoenix to provide a unique blend of sound profiles, tailored to the preferences of the user.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Phoenix yield contrasting sound profiles. The nylon housing of the Box Royal elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Phoenix produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, these materials impact the aesthetics of the switches, with polycarbonate being translucent and suitable for RGB lighting. The differences in top and bottom housings further contribute to the overall sound experience. Whether one is seeking a muted and rounded sound or a more pronounced and clear sound, there are options available to cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Box Royal is lighter in its actuation force at 45 grams, while the Phoenix's actuation force remains unknown. However, both switches have a relatively similar bottom out force, with the Box Royal being heavier at 70 grams and the Phoenix at 62 grams, both falling within the medium range.
The actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke, and while the Box Royal is lighter in this aspect, the actual actuation force for the Phoenix is unavailable. This means that if one prefers a lighter touch for a more extended typing session or gaming session, the Box Royal may be a suitable option. However, if someone desires a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they might lean towards a switch with a heavier actuation force, potentially the Phoenix if it proves to be heavier than the Box Royal.
In terms of bottom out force, which measures the force required to press the switch all the way down, the Box Royal is again heavier than the Phoenix. The Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience, while the Phoenix has a bottom out force of 62 grams, still within the medium range but potentially providing a slightly lighter feel when bottoming out.
Overall, the Box Royal has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Phoenix, making it the heavier option in both aspects. However, if the actuation force for the Phoenix is similar to the Box Royal or falls within the preferred range of the user, they may achieve similar results in terms of typing experience. It ultimately comes down to individual preferences and whether one prioritizes a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a heavier, more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is clear that the Box Royal has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Phoenix has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches deviate from the most traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm and indicate a trend towards shorter distances. Gamers, in particular, favor shorter travel distances for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Phoenix with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feeling, the Box Royal's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired tactile 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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15.
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 best known for its sharp and binary tactility, providing a nearly aggressive tactile experience. When it comes to sound, the Box Royal has a relatively higher-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is unique due to its under-skirt click mechanism, resulting in a crystalline and sparkling type feel and sound profile. The Phoenix is described as having a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal offers a sharp tactile experience with a high feedback intensity. Each keypress delivers a distinct and prominent tactile bump. On the other hand, the Phoenix clicky switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
To conclude, the Kailh Box Royal and Outemu Phoenix switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal provides a sharp tactility and higher-pitched sound, while the Phoenix offers a unique clicky mechanism and a crunchy sound. Both switches have their own merits and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of the typing experience desired. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The sound they produce is sharp and crisp, perfect for those who prefer a higher pitched sound. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique clicky switch with a polished feel and a crunchy sound profile, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch would be the better option. These switches feature a sparkling and crystalline feel and sound, and provide a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
