Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer two distinct typing experiences. The Kailh Box Royal is a tactile switch that is perfect for those who crave a sharp, aggressive tactility with a higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its all-POM construction, short travel distance, thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch. While the Box Royal offers a satisfying tactile experience, the Smoothie Silver provides a lightning-fast actuation with a unique sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing, creating a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, the Nylon top housing of the Box Royal may offer a slightly rounder sound compared to the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and Smoothie Silver switches feature nylon and POM materials respectively. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver also adds to the unique sound profile of the switch, which is characterized as deeper and relatively more muted. The differences in the bottom housing materials between the two switches may impact the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, as the qualities of each material will be felt upon pressing down on the switch.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences, they share similarities in the depth of sound produced. The softer nylon material of the Box Royal contributes to a fuller sound, while the POM material of the Smoothie Silver creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with distinctive sound characteristics that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams while the Smoothie Silver does not have a specified bottom out force. This makes the Box Royal heavier in terms of the force needed to fully press down the key. Some users may find the heavier bottom out force of the Box Royal to provide a more substantial typing experience, while others may prefer the lighter feel of the Smoothie Silver for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Smoothie Silver with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Box Royal more satisfying with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 tactile switch is known for its high-pitched profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is essential to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard body and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is recognized for its sharp and binary tactility, offering a strong and distinct tactile bump with each key press. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch does not have a feel descriptor provided, making it challenging to compare the two in terms of tactile feedback. Both switches offer different qualities in terms of feel, catering to varying preferences for typing experiences.
Considering all available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch excels in providing an aggressive and sharp tactile feedback with a high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch prioritizes a smooth and quick actuation with a thocky sound and feather-light touch. Depending on personal preferences for typing feel and sound, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preferences and the specific characteristics desired in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch with a sharp and aggressive tactility, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. The high feedback intensity and relatively higher pitched sound profile make them stand out for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation and a smooth, feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. The all-POM construction and thocky sound profile offer a unique typing experience that emphasizes speed and smoothness over tactility. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for tactility and sound profile.
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