Kailh Box Royal vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Snow are two distinct options to consider. The Box Royal is renowned for its incredibly tactile feedback, offering a sharp and aggressive tactility that is unmatched by many other switches. On the other hand, the Snow switch boasts an innovative use of POK material in its construction, providing a smooth and linear typing experience with a deep sound signature. The Box Royal is best suited for those who enjoy a sharp, high-pitched tactile response, while the Snow switch is ideal for individuals seeking a thocky, low-pitched, and bouncy keystroke feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Snow switches offer different features and benefits. The Box Royal utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Snow switch uses POK material for the top housing, which provides smoothness, clackiness, and exceptional durability. While both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, the POK material of the Snow switch offers enhanced durability and resistance to wear and shocks compared to nylon.
In terms of sound characteristics, the nylon housing of the Box Royal creates a duller and rounder sound profile, emphasizing a deeper typing experience. On the other hand, the POK top housing of the Dareu Snow contributes to a smoother and clackier sound, enhancing the overall typing feedback. Both materials have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Additionally, while the Box Royal utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, the Dareu Snow also uses nylon for its bottom housing, indicating a similar approach to sound absorption and typing experience in that aspect.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Dareu Snow housing materials comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. The Box Royal's nylon housing offers a deeper sound profile, while the Dareu Snow's POK material provides smoothness and durability. Regardless of the differences, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their housing materials, catering to individuals who value sound, feel, and durability in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the user's specific preferences and priorities in a typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch's actuation force of 50 grams, making the Box Royal slightly easier to trigger a keystroke with. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Box Royal requires a heavier 70 grams of force compared to the Snow's 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer heavier switches. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, but the Box Royal leans towards the heavier side, while the Snow is on the lighter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and desired weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The Box Royal offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback compared to the Snow. Overall, the Box Royal is slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Snow, but both switches offer relatively similar results in terms of keypress depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is renowned for its sharp and binary tactility, offering a nearly aggressive tactile experience. When it comes to sound, these switches have a higher-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch features an innovative use of POK material, resulting in a smoother linear action and a deeper sound signature with a thocky or low-pitched tone. In terms of feel, the Box Royal provides a sharp and intense tactile feedback, while the Snow switch offers a bouncy and elastic sensation with a lively rebound effect.
Ultimately, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and Dareu Snow switches will come down to personal preference. If you prefer a more aggressive tactility and higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal may be the better option for you. Conversely, if you enjoy a smoother linear action and deeper, thocky sound, the Dareu Snow switch could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately depends on what qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference for tactility and sound. If you prefer a sharp, aggressive tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound profile, then the Box Royal would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear switch with a deeper, thocky sound signature and a bouncy feel, then the Dareu Snow switch would be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style and the sound profile you prefer when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Mentioned in this article
