Kailh Box Royal vs. Jerrzi Poseidon

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the distinctions between tactile and linear switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Kailh Box Royal switch stands out for its pronounced tactile feedback, offering a sharp and almost aggressive feel with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Its higher-pitched sound profile adds an auditory layer to the tactile feedback, enhancing the overall sensation of each key press. In contrast, the Jerrzi Poseidon switch features a smoother typing experience characteristic of linear switches, often preferred by gamers and typists who prioritize fluid motion without the interruption of tactile bumps. While the Box Royal is perfect for those who thrive on a tactile connection to their keyboard, the Poseidon appeals to users who value consistency and quiet operation. 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

Jerrzi Poseidon Linear

$6.25 per 10

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Royal and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which affects their sound profiles significantly. The Kailh Box Royal features a top and bottom housing made of nylon, a classic choice known for its softer qualities. This results in a typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon's absorbent nature dampens the high frequencies, producing a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Jerrzi Poseidon employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for creating a unique sound profile that is also deeper and relatively muted but differs from nylon in terms of texture and acoustic properties, leading to a dissimilar tactile sensation during typing.

Despite their differing materials, both switches can produce comparably satisfying sound profiles. While the Kailh Box Royal offers a traditional nylon sound that is rich and warm, the Jerrzi Poseidon’s POM housing generates a pleasing auditory experience characterized by its distinct muted tones. The nylon in the Box Royal absorbs more sound, contributing to its classic and fuller depth, whereas the POM in the Poseidon ensures that sounds produced are distinct yet soft. Therefore, while the nature of the materials differs, both can provide a gratifying feel and sound for the user, albeit through different avenues.

When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the Kailh Box Royal's nylon contributes to both the bottom-out sound and the release sound, ensuring a cohesive auditory quality. In contrast, the Jerrzi Poseidon’s POM material similarly influences the sound at both the bottom-out and release levels, albeit in a slightly different manner due to its unique properties. This means that while users may experience different textures and subtleties in sound, the end result can still satisfy a preference for deeper sound profiles in both cases. Thus, individuals accustomed to one switch may find themselves enjoying the other, despite the differences in material composition.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Poseidon switch remains unknown. The Box Royal features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Poseidon’s 40 grams, making the latter a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for long typing or gaming sessions. However, the Box Royal's bottom out force of 70 grams indicates a more substantial feel when pressing all the way down, catering to users who enjoy a stronger push. Without a specified bottom out force for the Poseidon, it's difficult to fully compare their tactile feedback when fully depressed, leaving a question mark for those who may seek a similar overall experience. In summary, while the Box Royal provides a medium-heavy force ideal for users seeking a more substantial typing experience, the Poseidon, with its lighter actuation force, may appeal to those looking for ease and comfort during extended use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, the Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Poseidon has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference reflects the trend in switch design where shorter travel distances, like that of the Poseidon, are often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Kailh Box Royal's longer travel distance may be preferred by users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback during key presses. Thus, while both switches cater to specific preferences, the Box Royal's 3.6 mm travel distance makes it the choice for those who enjoy a deeper feel, whereas the Poseidon's 3.4 mm travel distance is suited for those prioritizing responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, the Box Royal offers a distinctively high-pitched sound profile. This can produce a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keypress, which appeals to users who prefer a cleaner, more cutting sound. On the other hand, the Poseidon’s sound characteristics remain unknown, meaning it may not provide the same auditory stimulation that the Box Royal does. Therefore, those who prioritize sound might find the Box Royal to be a more satisfying choice, especially if they dislike lower-pitched or bass-heavy switches.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal excels with its sharp tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more aggressive tactile sensation. The strong and crisp tactile bump provides significant feedback, allowing every keystroke to be distinctly felt. Conversely, the Jerrzi Poseidon’s feel is also unspecified, suggesting that it may not deliver the same level of tactile feedback, especially if it’s designed as a linear switch which typically lacks the pronounced tactility found in Box Royals. Consequently, users seeking that crisp and pronounced feel will likely prefer the Box Royal due to its robust tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch stands out for both its high-pitched sound and sharp tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who appreciate aggressive tactility and a crisp acoustic experience when typing. Meanwhile, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch does not provide sufficient details on its sound or feel, leaving potential users curious about its performance. Overall, if you seek a more defined and stimulating typing experience with auditory feedback, the Box Royal is your likely best option, while the Poseidon may not cater to those preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing experience you desire. If you appreciate a strong, aggressive tactile feedback with each keystroke, the Box Royal is the ideal option. Its sharp bump and high-pitched sound profile provide an engaging and satisfying typing experience, especially if you're a gamer or typist who enjoys a pronounced tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter operation without a tactile bump, the Poseidon linear switch might be more your speed, even though specific details about its feel and sound are not provided, linear switches typically offer seamless key presses without the feedback loop of tactility. If you enjoy a linear experience for gaming or a quieter workspace, the Poseidon could suit you well. In summary, let your typing style and sound preferences guide your decision, choosing the Box Royal for tactile intensity or the Poseidon for a smooth, unobtrusive feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Poseidon Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more