Kailh Box Royal vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with exceptional tactility, the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) are two switches worth considering. The Box Royal is renowned for its incredibly tactile feel, offering a sharp and binary tactility that is hard to match. If you prefer a switch that almost aggressively provides feedback with every keypress, the Box Royal is the perfect choice. Additionally, its higher pitched sound profile adds an extra touch of satisfaction to your typing experience. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is a switch that prioritizes maximum tactility. With a punchy and sharp tactility, typing on the POM T1 switches provides a satisfyingly clean clack. These switches are categorized as resonant, neutral, sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, delivering a comprehensive tactile experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) differ in their housing materials, with the former featuring a nylon top housing and the latter incorporating a POM top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side with a relatively more muted tone. Therefore, the choice between these two housing materials can greatly impact the auditory experience of using these switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock POM T1 share the same material: nylon. This classic switch housing material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. Its softer nature allows for increased sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder sound overall. Consequently, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing. This means users can expect a satisfying auditory experience when pressing down on either of these switches.
Although the bottom housing material remains the same, the top housing material plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key. The Kailh Box Royal's nylon top housing, with its sound-absorbing properties, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon key release. Meanwhile, the Durock POM T1's POM top housing creates a uniquely pleasing sound, which is relatively muted compared to nylon. Consequently, users will notice a difference in the sound profile when letting go of a key between these two switches, with the Kailh Box Royal offering a slightly more pronounced sound and the Durock POM T1 providing a more understated and muted tone.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, there are a few key differences to note. The Kailh Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) is unavailable, but its bottom out force is 67 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range. While both switches have similar bottom out forces, the actuation force of the Durock POM T1 remains unknown.
Consideration of weight is crucial when choosing a switch, as it can impact typing endurance and overall typing experience. For those seeking a lighter switch, the Kailh Box Royal may be more suitable, as its 45 gram actuation force allows for extended typing sessions and is ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Durock POM T1, as its bottom out force of 67 grams provides a slightly heavier touch.
Overall, while there are similarities in the bottom out force between the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock POM T1, the actuation force of the latter remains unknown, making it challenging to directly compare the two. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing needs when selecting the appropriate switch to ensure optimal typing performance and comfort.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. In comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it is evident that they have different travel distances. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) has a travel distance of 4 mm.
In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is the most common and considered to be traditional, while 3.0 mm is on the shallower end. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance offered by the Kailh Box Royal may be a better choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the longer travel distance offered by the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) for a more satisfying typing experience with a greater sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 known for its sharp, binary tactility, providing a nearly aggressive tactile experience. This switch has a relatively higher pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offers maximum tactility with a punchy feel. Typing on these switches provides a sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack. The sound profile of the POM T1 is described as resonant, with a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. It is also mentioned to have a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes.
Both switches share similar qualities in terms of feel. They are described as sharp tactile switches, known for their high feedback intensity and a strong, crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The POM T1 is also described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is further described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience.
Taking into consideration the available information, it is clear that both switches offer a high level of tactility, with a sharp and crisp feedback. They differ in terms of sound profiles, with the Box Royal having a higher-pitched sound, while the POM T1 offers a resonant and clean sound. Additionally, the POM T1 has some additional descriptors such as being accented and snappy, providing a distinct typing experience.
If you are looking for a highly tactile switch with sharp feedback, either the Kailh Box Royal or the Durock POM T1 would be a suitable choice. The decision between the two would depend on personal preference for sound profiles and any additional features like accented and snappy feel offered by the POM T1. It is recommended to try different switches on various boards and with different keycaps to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with an aggressive and sharp tactility, the Kailh Box Royal is the perfect choice for you. With its nearly aggressive tactility and higher-pitched sound profile, these switches provide a distinct and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, if you prioritize maximum tactility and a satisfying clean clack, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) is the switch for you. These switches offer a sharp tactility and a resonant sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers variations in its feel, with options such as accented and snappy switches that provide a prominent amount of tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) depends on your preference for the level of tactility and the sound profile you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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