Kailh Box Royal vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a wide variety to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Two popular options worth considering are the Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Sakura Pink, a linear switch. The Box Royal switches are known for their sharp and binary tactility, making them perfect for those who enjoy a nearly aggressive feeling when typing. Additionally, these switches have a relatively higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches offer a completely different experience. With a feather-light 35g actuation force, they are ideal for delicate typists. These switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a gliding type feel and frictionless operation. The Sakura Pinks also produce a delightfully poppy sound, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.25 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone. This is due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's relatively stiffer composition creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those planning to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency.

Likewise, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink exhibit similar differences. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink creates a sharper and crisper sound, complementing its top housing's attributes. Apart from the sound profile, the clear nature of polycarbonate in the Sakura Pink's bottom housing enhances its aesthetic appeal, indicating that clear housings are often made from polycarbonate.

It is important to note that the differences in top and bottom housing materials in these switches result in different sound characteristics when pressing and releasing keys. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing impacts the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material in these switches will affect the overall typing experience and sound quality in distinct ways.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Royal has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Sakura Pink has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it more sensitive and easier to activate.

Similarly, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal is heavier with a force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, allowing for a softer and gentler touch while typing.

Considering weight, choosing a lighter switch, like the Sakura Pink, can be beneficial for extended typing periods or long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue and strain on the fingers. In contrast, a switch with a heavier force, such as the Box Royal, can provide a more satisfying and substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

In summary, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, ideal for users seeking a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch provides a lighter actuation force and a lighter bottom out force, offering a softer and more sensitive typing feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, while the Sakura Pink is slightly longer. This means that the Sakura Pink will have a slightly deeper keypress feel compared to the Box Royal. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Royal offers a more responsive typing experience, which is beneficial for gamers who require faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Sakura Pink provides a more pronounced and satisfying keypress, making it a better choice for those who prefer a hearty and substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal offering quick response times and the longer travel distance of the Sakura Pink providing a deeper and more substantial feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch produces a relatively higher-pitched sound when pressed. This results in a sharp and crisp sound profile, which may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct and lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as producing a muted sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, effectively minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note, however, that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal switch is praised for its sharp tactile feedback. It features a strong and crisp tactile bump that is easy to distinguish with each keypress. This intense feedback delivers a highly tactile typing experience, making it ideal for those seeking a nearly aggressive tactility. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offers a range of descriptors to describe its feel. It is referred to as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. These descriptors collectively indicate a smooth, fluid, and effortless typing experience. The Sakura Pink switch provides a seamless and uniform sensation, making typing feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Its low actuation force also reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.

Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offer distinctive qualities. The Box Royal switch provides a sharp and crisp tactile feedback with a relatively higher-pitched sound, catering to those who prefer an aggressive tactility. Conversely, the Sakura Pink switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it suitable for gentle typists. Both switches have their merits and will result in different typing experiences. If you are looking for a highly tactile and audibly lively experience, the Box Royal switch would be a great choice. However, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing sensation, the Sakura Pink switch will deliver similar results. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're seeking an incredibly tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches feature a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a sharp and binary tactility that is perfect for those who appreciate aggressive feedback. Additionally, the Box Royals produce a relatively higher-pitched sound profile when pressed.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience with a delightful poppy sound, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches would be a great fit. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches are designed for delicate typists who prioritize ease and comfort. The Sakura Pinks provide a frictionless and gliding feel, offering a seamless and effortless typing experience. Furthermore, they produce a playful and bubbly sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap.

Ultimately, the choice between Kailh Box Royal tactile switches and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value intense tactility and a higher-pitched sound, go for the Box Royals. However, if you prioritize smoothness, ease of typing, and a delightful poppy sound, opt for the Sakura Pinks. Consider your typing needs and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more