Kailh Box Royal vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two popular options are the Kailh Box Royal and the Huano Sakura switches. The Kailh Box Royal is renowned for its sharp, binary tactility, delivering a nearly aggressive feedback that can make each keystroke feel precise and satisfying. With a higher-pitched sound profile, these tactile switches are well-suited for typists who enjoy a pronounced bump and a more engaging auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches provide a feather-light touch and a medium acoustic profile, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort and smoothness are prioritized. While the Box Royals are perfect for those who revel in tactile feedback, the Sakuras offer a more effortless typing experience without the tactile resistance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal switches to the Huano Sakura switches, a notable distinction emerges in the materials used for the top housing. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively soft nature enables it to absorb sound vibrations, resulting in a strikingly duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. The higher coefficient of friction compared to traditional materials like LY allows for a distinctly different typing feel. While both housings contribute to the overall user experience, the nature of these materials suggests that users might expect a smoother, clackier sound from the Sakura, while the Box Royal may lend itself to a more subdued auditory feedback.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Kailh Box Royal and Huano Sakura switches rely on nylon. This shared material means that in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, both switches may deliver a similar typing experience. The nylon used in the bottom housing contributes to a rich acoustical response that resonates with users who favor a cushioned keystroke. As such, despite the differing top housings, the consistent use of nylon in the bottoms ensures that both switches maintain a comparable sound profile and tactile feedback during pressing, creating a unified experience that blends the softness of nylon with distinct acoustic qualities.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housings and shared bottom housings results in two unique yet relatable typing experiences. The Kailh Box Royal, with its nylon top, promises a warmer and fuller sound, while the Huano Sakura, equipped with POK, offers a smoother, snappier aggression in its sound production. Nonetheless, because both switches rely on a nylon bottom housing, users will experience a common foundation in sound absorption and tactility. This balance allows enthusiasts to select a switch that aligns with their preferences, whether they prioritize a deeper, muted sound profile or a sharper, more dynamic auditory experience, but still enjoy the familiar feel that nylon provides at the bottom of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that requires more force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This difference in force can significantly impact user experience: the lighter Sakura switch is more suitable for those who prefer long typing sessions or gaming marathons without much finger fatigue, while the heavier Box Royal switch offers a more substantial tactile feedback that some users may find satisfying. Ultimately, if one prefers a less demanding keystroke, the Huano Sakura is the better option, whereas the Kailh Box Royal caters to those who appreciate a firmer push.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch feature identical travel distances of 3.6 mm, which means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same amount of travel. With this equal travel distance, the switches are likely to yield similar tactile feedback and response, allowing for a consistent typing experience across both types. Ultimately, the matching travel distances of 3.6 mm suggest that users looking for comparable performance in terms of key travel will find both switches to be equally satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp noise when pressed, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a cleaner, more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This contrasts sharply with the Huano Sakura linear switch, which offers medium acoustics, providing a more muted sound profile that is not as intrusive. The lower sound profile of the Sakura is particularly suited for environments where quieter operation is preferred, yet both switches can sound different depending on the keyboard build and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switches are characterized by their sharp and aggressive tactile feedback, delivering a distinctly pronounced tactile bump that can be felt with every keystroke. This high feedback intensity makes the Box Royals feel remarkably responsive, great for typists who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch is designed for a feather-light touch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile bump, making it better suited for those who seek a quieter and perhaps more fluid typing experience.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and Huano Sakura linear switch cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. Box Royals excel in providing a sharp, high-pitched sound and a pronounced tactile feedback, suitable for users who enjoy an energetic typing experience. Conversely, the Sakura switches offer a more subdued acoustic profile and a smooth keystroke that favors extended use and comfort. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and distinct sound or smoothness and quieter operation—each can yield satisfying typing experiences tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch should hinge on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you crave a pronounced tactile feedback that delivers an aggressive bump with every keypress, the Box Royal is the ideal pick. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing rhythm, making it especially suitable for typists and gamers who thrive on precision and enjoy the auditory feedback of a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more effortless typing experience, the Huano Sakura linear switch is the way to go. With its lighter 45-gram actuation force, it allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue, offering a smooth and seamless feel that can keep you productive for longer periods. Its medium acoustics means it won’t overwhelm your surroundings, making it a great choice for office environments or quiet spaces. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal comfort and whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth, fast keystroke in your daily typing or gaming tasks.
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