Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary significantly based on individual typing styles and tactile satisfaction. The Kailh Box Royal switches offer a distinctly sharp and aggressive tactile response, making them an ideal choice for those who crave pronounced feedback while typing. Their high-pitched sound profile adds an extra layer of auditory stimulation, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory cue with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a smoother, linear experience characterized by its medium weight and "thocky" sound profile. This switch is perfect for individuals seeking a quieter, buttery-soft keypress that allows for swift and silent typing. Ultimately, while the Box Royals prioritize tactile feedback and audio clarity, the Sea Salt Smoothies excel in maintaining a seamless and quiet flow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, distinct differences emerge that significantly affect their acoustic profiles and user experience. The Kailh Box Royal incorporates nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material celebrated for its sound-absorbing characteristics. This choice results in a deeper, fuller sound profile as nylon dampens noise effectively, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. On the contrary, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is known for its rigidity and durability, and while it also offers a deeper sound profile, it tends to produce a unique sound that is slightly more muted than what nylon provides.
Despite both switches achieving a muted and deeper sound profile due to their housing materials, the specific qualities of nylon and POM can lead to different tactile experiences. The evenly distributed soft texture of nylon in the Kailh Box Royal enhances the overall typing experience by providing a consistent feel throughout the actuation and bottoming out. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's POM material, while still producing a pleasing sound, may lead to a slightly different tactile sensation; it's often perceived as firmer during actuation. As users type, the differences in material science influence resilience and noise propagation, illustrating that while both achieve a similar acoustic effect, the tactile feedback differs due to the inherent characteristics of the materials.
Furthermore, the influence of top and bottom housing on sound and feel should not be overlooked. In the Kailh Box Royal, both nylon housings work together seamlessly to create a consistent auditory and tactile feedback throughout the key's travel. On the flip side, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing — while equally potent in creating a unique sound profile — complements its POM top for a more nuanced experience when releasing keys. In summary, while both switches create a deeper sound profile with muted characteristics, the subtle differences in material composition shape the overall typing experience, with nylon providing a softer touch and POM offering a firmer one, ensuring that both types of switches cater to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find some differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Box Royal features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, but it lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving that aspect unknown. As such, we can't compare their bottom out characteristics directly. Due to its lower actuation force, the Box Royal is the lighter switch, which may benefit users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, such as those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a firmer feel, catering to users who enjoy a more robust tactile feedback. Overall, those seeking lighter switches for comfort during long typing sessions might lean towards the Box Royal, while those desiring more resistance should consider the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Box Royal features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Box Royal would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker activation—a trait often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more generous travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper and heartier feel during key presses. Thus, for those who enjoy a tactile feedback with a bit more depth, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the preferable option. Overall, while both switches are close in travel distance, the Box Royal edges out as the shorter option, making it ideal for users seeking rapid responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The sound profile of the Kailh Box Royal switch is distinctly high-pitched, resulting in a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that many users find satisfying, especially if they prefer a more pronounced sound that lacks the richer, bass-heavy tones associated with some other switches. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch, however, delivers a "thocky" sound profile, which is typically characterized by a deeper and more resonant acoustics that can provide a more pleasant auditory experience for those who enjoy a softer thump upon activation. This variation highlights how sound preferences can significantly influence the experience of typing or gaming on a mechanical keyboard, depending on individual taste and the environment in which the keyboard is used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal is renowned for its sharp tactility, providing a strong and crisp bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. This level of tactile feedback is almost aggressive and caters well to users who appreciate an intense tactile experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch focuses on delivering exceptional smoothness without any notable tactile feedback, allowing for a fluid and effortless keystroke. This difference in feel caters to different user preferences; tactile enthusiasts may prefer the Box Royal, while those who prioritize a smooth keypress might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal's high-pitched, sharp sound and pronounced tactile feedback make it ideal for those seeking a lively typing experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's thocky sound and smooth engagement appeal to those who enjoy a more subdued and fluid keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and what aspects of typing or gaming you find most satisfying.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you crave a pronounced tactile sensation with a sharp, responsive feedback, the Box Royal is the way to go. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams ensures you feel each keystroke decisively, making it suitable for those who enjoy an aggressive typing experience or want to enhance their typing accuracy. The higher-pitched sound profile adds an extra layer of auditory feedback, which can be appealing if you prefer a more crisp sound over a deeper thock. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, more fluid typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie provides just that with its notable smoothness and balanced sound. It’s an excellent choice for those who type frequently and desire a comfortable key feel without the sharp tactile feedback of the Box Royal. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing preferences: select the Box Royal for sharp tactility and distinct feedback, or opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie for a seamless and enjoyable typing journey.
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