Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Quinn

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth comparing and contrasting are the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Quinn. The Box Royal switch is known for its incredibly sharp and binary tactility, making it a fantastic choice for those who prefer a nearly aggressive tactile feedback. Additionally, its relatively higher pitched sound profile adds another layer of satisfaction to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. Thanks to its specially designed nylon housings, each keystroke produces a rich and immersive sound that adds character to every typing session. In addition to its clean and precise tactile bump, the Quinn switch is categorized by its snappy, bassy, polished, bouncy, clacky, accented, buttery, creamy, low-pitched, and resonant attributes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal preference and typing style.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Quinn have several similarities when it comes to their nylon top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize nylon as a switch housing material, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, you can expect a similar sound experience when typing on both the Box Royal and the Quinn switches, as they both incorporate nylon housings.

However, it's worth noting that if the top and bottom housings differ for a particular switch, the characteristics brought by each housing material will be split between the top and the bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more apparent. This means the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a larger influence on the sound produced when releasing a key.

In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Quinn switches feature nylon housings, leading to a similar typing experience in terms of sound. However, the allocation of qualities between the top and bottom housings may differ, affecting the sound and feel when pressing down and releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is clear that both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy switches. The Kailh Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Gateron Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Kailh Box Royal would be the better option as its actuation force is lower. This lighter actuation force allows for a more effortless keystroke and can be beneficial for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn offers a stronger push feel with its higher actuation force. This heavier force can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing.

When it comes to the bottom out force, both switches are fairly similar. The Kailh Box Royal requires a slightly higher force of 70 grams to fully bottom out, while the Gateron Quinn needs 67 grams. Although the difference is minimal, it can still impact the overall typing experience. Those who tend to bottom out heavily may find the Box Royal to provide a slightly more satisfying bottoming out sensation.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Quinn switches offer similar medium-heavy actuation forces. However, the Kailh Box Royal is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Gateron Quinn provides a slightly stronger push feel. Both switches have comparable bottom out forces, with the Kailh Box Royal requiring a slightly higher force to fully bottom out. Depending on personal preference and typing style, individuals can choose between the lighter Kailh Box Royal for extended typing sessions or the heavier Gateron Quinn for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we find that the Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Gateron Quinn may be the better option due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial pressing experience, the Kailh Box Royal with its slightly longer travel distance would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and desired key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switches are best described as having a relatively higher-pitched profile. This means that when the switches are pressed, they produce a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a sound that is not as rich and bassy, the higher-pitched sound of the Box Royal switches would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches offer a different sound profile with a combination of deep and resonant characteristics. The sound produced by these switches is characterized by a lower frequency range, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Quinn switches have a clacky sound, which is sharp, bright, and percussive. Overall, the sound of each switch is unique and subjective, and the choice will depend on personal preference.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switches are known for their sharp tactile bump. This means that they provide a highly intense and distinct feedback with each keypress. The tactile bump of these switches is strong and crisp, resulting in a prominent tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches are described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. The snappy characteristic of the Quinn switches indicates a high level of responsiveness, making the typing experience feel lively. The switches also have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. The bouncy feedback of the switches gives them a spring-like or elastic sensation, providing rebound when pressed. The accented feature suggests that the Quinn switches offer a moderate amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The buttery and creamy qualities of the switches indicate a smooth and effortless typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Overall, both switches provide unique tactile experiences with their own characteristics and it would depend on personal preference in terms of which feel would be more preferred.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Quinn switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal switches provide a sharp and binary tactility with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Quinn switches have a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a deep and resonant sound profile. The choice between the two will depend on individual preference for both sound and feel. If a higher-pitched, sharp, and aggressive tactility with a sharp and crisp sound is desired, the Box Royal switches would be a good choice. If a combination of a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a deep, resonant, and immersive sound profile is preferred, the Quinn switches would be a suitable option. However, it is worth noting that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. So, depending on the specific setup, you may achieve similar results with different switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with an aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal is the perfect choice for you. These switches provide a sharp and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique combination of light switch-like tactility, a deep and resonant sound profile, and a smooth and refined typing experience, the Gateron Quinn is the way to go. The Quinn switches offer a crisp and clean tactile bump, accompanied by a rich and immersive sound that adds character to your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for tactility and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more