Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are numerous options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out are the Kailh Box Royal, a highly tactile switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a smooth linear switch. The Box Royal is renowned for its unparalleled tactility, boasting a sharp and binary feel that is perfect for those who crave a more aggressive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a favorite among those who prioritize a quieter typing environment. With its cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch provides a more subdued typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics so you can make an informed decision on which switch suits you the best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches exhibit some noticeable differences. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. This unique material delivers a pointed and slightly high-pitched sound profile, adding a satisfying, clacky element to the typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Royal and Silent Ink Black share the same material, nylon. This classic switch housing material has the characteristic of absorbing sound effectively, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, both switches will produce a similar sound when bottoming out. However, due to the different top housing materials, the overall sound of the two switches will still have distinct characteristics.
Another important aspect to consider is the impact of the housing materials on the switch's sound and feel. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing will have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will primarily affect the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing in both the Box Royal and Silent Ink Black will contribute to a similar bottom-out sound, while their respective top housing materials will differentiate the sound upon key release.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Box Royal's nylon top housing creates a deep and full sound, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing produces a satisfying, slightly clacky sound. The shared nylon bottom housings provide a similar bottom-out sound, but the differences in the top housing materials result in contrasting sound profiles during key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Box Royal is lighter as it has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent Ink Black is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 60 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 70 grams, which means that the typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be similar for both switches.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box Royal might be the better option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This lightness could be beneficial for tasks that require prolonged typing, such as using the keyboard at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone enjoys a more substantial keypress and prefers a stronger push feel, the Silent Ink Black would be a better choice with its heavier actuation force.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. Those who prioritize a lighter touch may lean towards the Box Royal, while others who enjoy a more forceful typing experience might prefer the Silent Ink Black. However, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a satisfying tactile feedback when fully pressed down.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances. The Box Royal is on the shorter side with its 3.6 mm travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a slightly deeper key press with its 4 mm travel distance, which some individuals may find more satisfying. Overall, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference - whether you prioritize a shorter travel distance for quick responses or a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch is best known for its high-pitched profile. Pressing these switches results in a sharp and crisp sound that can be quite distinct. If you prefer a sound that is not too rich or bassy, the Box Royal's higher-pitched sound may be to your liking. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. If you are in an environment that requires a more noise-minimizing keyboard, the Silent Ink Black switch is a great choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is described as having a sharp tactile feel. These switches are known for their intense feedback. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, providing a prominent and distinctive feel with each keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky typing experience. This means that it provides an exceptionally smooth feeling when typing. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switch can also be described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or the factory lubing. With these switches, you can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer different subjective qualities. The Box Royal switch is ideal for those seeking an aggressive, high-pitched sound and a sharp, intense tactile feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is best suited for quieter environments with its muted sound and silky, polished feel. Despite their differences, both switches provide unique experiences that cater to specific preferences. If you prefer a tactile typing experience, the Box Royal switch is the way to go, while if you prioritize a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch is the better choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a highly tactile switch with a sharp and aggressive feedback, the Kailh Box Royal switches are perfect for you. These switches are known for their binary, almost aggressive tactility which can be felt distinctly with each keystroke. They produce a high-pitched sound, adding to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are an excellent choice. These switches offer a cushion-like bottom-out feeling and minimal audio feedback. They are described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The silent aspect of these switches makes them ideal for environments where noise reduction is essential.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. Whether you prioritize a sharp tactile feedback and higher-pitched sound or a smoother, quieter typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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