Kailh Box Royal vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the SP-Star Duck, both of which are tactile switches. The Kailh Box Royal is renowned for its intense tactility, providing a sharp and binary feel with each key press. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feedback and a higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck offers a more subtle tactile typing experience. With a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile, it caters to individuals who enjoy a less aggressive feedback while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch to suit your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and SP-Star Duck switches differ significantly. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, while the Duck utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, if you plan on incorporating RGB lighting, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for the top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and Duck switches share the same housing material: nylon. Therefore, typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a satisfying, rounded sound. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, which will be consistent in both switches.
When comparing the overall sound profile of these switches, it is important to consider the impact of the top and bottom housings. Since the Box Royal and Duck switches use different materials for their top housing, the sound when releasing a key will vary. The softer nylon top housing in the Box Royal will contribute to a deeper and rounder sound upon key release. In contrast, the stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the Duck will create a more clear and resonant sound when keys are released. Thus, carefully choosing the housing material for the top and bottom of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Box Royal is 45 grams, while the actuation force of the Duck is unavailable, making it difficult to determine a direct comparison. However, both switches have a medium level of actuation force, suggesting a relatively similar experience in terms of triggering keystrokes.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Box Royal requires 70 grams of force, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Duck tactile switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Box Royal. This indicates that the Duck switch provides a gentler resistance when pressed all the way down.
When considering weight, it is worth mentioning that some users prefer lighter switches to allow for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. For these individuals, the lighter actuation force of the Duck switch may be more suitable. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, the heavier bottom out force of the Box Royal may be the preferred choice.
In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Royal and SP-Star Duck tactile switches have some similarities in terms of their medium actuation force. However, the Box Royal has a higher bottom out force, making it slightly heavier than the Duck. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which falls on the shorter side compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Duck switch is more traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Box Royal's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers who value faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive and quick feel, the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal would be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the SP-Star Duck switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique benefits, so it is important to consider your own preferences when selecting between them.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch produces a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed. This creates a distinct and crisp sound profile that may not be suitable for those who prefer richer and bassier sound profiles. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and can be used in various settings such as at home or in the office. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. It provides a high intensity and prominent tactile bump with each keystroke. This creates a strong and crisp tactile experience that can be distinctly felt. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a mild typing experience with a more gentle tactile feel. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Duck switch is described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
To conclude, the Kailh Box Royal switch is best suited for those seeking a highly tactile experience, with a sharp and binary tactility. It produces a relatively higher pitched sound that may not be to everyone's preference. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a more subtle and mild tactile experience, with a clean and crisp sound profile. Its qualities of being buttery, polished, and neutral make it a versatile option that can cater to a wide range of typists. Overall, both switches provide unique characteristics, and individuals should consider their personal preferences when choosing between them.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a keyboard switch with intense and aggressive tactility, the Kailh Box Royal switches would be the perfect choice for you. With their sharp and binary tactility, these switches provide a satisfying and pronounced tactile bump with each keypress. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royals offer a crisp and sharp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switches are the way to go. These switches offer a gentle tactility that is approachable to most users. The sound profile of the Duck switches is clean and crispy, providing a more neutral sound overall.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal switches have a sharp tactile bump that is prominently felt with each keypress. This type of tactile experience is known for its high feedback intensity. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a mild and buttery typing experience. These switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and SP-Star Duck switches depends on your personal preference for tactility, sound, and typing experience. Whether you prefer an aggressive and sharp tactility with a higher-pitched sound, or a more subtle and gentle tactile experience with a clean sound profile, both switches have their own unique qualities to offer. Consider your preferences and needs when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for you.
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