Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Poro offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences in typing and gaming. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp, binary tactility, delivering a pronounced feedback that is exhilarating for those who crave a more aggressive feel with each keystroke. Coupled with a higher-pitched sound profile, these switches provide not only tactile satisfaction but also an audible indicator of engagement that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is designed for a buttery-smooth keystroke, meticulously lubricated for a seamless glide that promotes effortless typing. This switch features a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, thanks to its ultra-light actuation force, making it appealing for both avid gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity in their key presses. While the Box Royal may suit those who appreciate a pronounced tactile sensation, the HMX Poro caters to users seeking smooth, uninterrupted action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

HMX Poro Linear

$6.25 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Royal and HMX Poro switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, with both featuring nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is a well-regarded choice in the mechanical switch community due to its unique acoustic properties. This material lends a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switches, making them a preferred option for users seeking a more muted and rounded auditory experience. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, reducing noise compared to harder plastics. Whether typing on a Kailh Box Royal or a HMX Poro, users can expect to enjoy a similar sound signature that enhances their typing experience.

Furthermore, both switches exhibit identical acoustic characteristics thanks to their nylon top and bottom housings. The qualitative attributes of the nylon material—its softness, sound absorption, and overall sound profile—contribute similarly to the auditory experience of both switches. When pressing down on these switches, the surface and bottom-out sounds will maintain a consistent tonal quality, ensuring a satisfying and rich auditory feedback regardless of which switch is engaged. This uniformity in housing materials means users will have a comparable experience when transitioning between the two, underscoring the reliability that nylon offers in mechanical keyboard switches.

However, it is essential to recognize that if any differences were present between the two switches, such differences could manifest in the tactile feedback and bottom-out feel, despite the identical nature of the nylon materials. As the bottom housing primarily impacts the sensation when pressing down, differing designs or internal mechanisms could introduce distinct characteristics, potentially altering user experience. Similarly, the top housing's influence would primarily affect the sound during release. Ultimately, while both the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Poro switches are constructed from the same nylon materials, any variances in internal design could still lead to individual nuances that might appeal to different preferences among users.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we find some notable differences in their bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force at 70 grams, while the Poro's bottom out force is considerably lighter at 50 grams. This means that while both switches will require the same amount of force to actuate, the Poro provides a lighter overall experience during extended typing or gaming sessions due to its lower bottom out force. For users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Box Royal's heavier bottom out force can provide that tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: the lighter Poro may be ideal for those looking for comfort during long use, while the heavier Box Royal caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced actuation experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch exhibit differences in their travel distances, with the Box Royal measuring 3.6 mm and the Poro slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This small variation highlights a broader trend in the keyboard switch market, where shorter travel distances are often favored for their potential to enhance responsiveness, particularly among gamers. The Box Royal, being the shorter of the two, may be more appealing to those who prioritize quick key presses for faster response times. In contrast, the Poro's longer travel distance could provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer deeper keystrokes, offering a tactile feedback that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding the balance of speed and the sensation of keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Box Royal is characterized by its high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp tone with each keystroke. This sound can be quite satisfying for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially if they are sensitive to deeper, bass-heavy switch sounds. In contrast, while the specific sound profile of the Poro is not detailed, it is noted to have a satisfying poppy and clacky quality, likely indicating a lighter sound that complements its design. Overall, the Box Royal's higher-pitched sound offers a contrasting experience to the Poro's potentially softer auditory characteristics, with the final output also influenced by the choice of board and keycaps used.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal truly stands out with its sharp tactile feedback. Users will experience a prominent and distinctly felt tactile bump with each keypress, making it suitable for those who crave a strong and aggressive tactile sensation. The tactile nature of these switches ensures that typists receive immediate feedback, enhancing the overall keystroke experience. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Poro linear switch is less defined in the provided information, but being a linear switch, it typically offers a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke without the pronounced tactile bump found in the Box Royal. Players and typists who prefer a fluid motion without the sharp tactile interruption may gravitate toward the Poro for its smoother actuation.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Poro switches cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal excels with its high-pitched, sharp sound and aggressive tactile feedback, making it perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience. Alternatively, the HMX Poro's silky smooth action and likely lighter sound profile may appeal to users seeking a more serene keystroke. While their attributes offer uniquely different experiences, those with a specific preference can choose between the sharp, tactile feedback of the Box Royal or the smooth, continuous flow of the Poro, depending on what suits their typing style best.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch hinges on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you thrive on a pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy a more aggressive typing experience, the Kailh Box Royal is the ideal choice for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams offers a satisfying resistance with a sharp, distinct bump that can enhance your typing precision, making it perfect for users who want to feel each keystroke clearly. Moreover, the high-pitched sound profile contributes to an energetic atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more fluid typing experience with less resistance, the HMX Poro linear switch may be your go-to option. With its lighter actuation force of 50 grams, it promises effortless keystrokes and a silky smooth operation, ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for rapid keypresses. Its poppy and clacky sound adds a lively quality to your typing, making it enjoyable without the tactile bump. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you favor the tactile feedback of the Box Royal or the smooth linear feel of the Poro, ensuring you find the switch that best suits your style and needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more