Kailh Box Royal vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Strawberry 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 KTT Strawberry. The Box Royal is known for its unparalleled tactility, with a sharp and aggressive feel that is perfect for those who prefer a highly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry offers a smoother actuation and a comfortable feel. Its pink and clear housings add an attractive aesthetic to any keyboard setup. Both switches have their own unique sound profiles, with the Box Royal producing a relatively higher pitched sound while the Strawberry offers a lower pitch.
If you value a strong and distinct tactile feedback, the Box Royal might be the best choice for you. Its binary tactility ensures every keystroke is met with a satisfying click. Alternatively, if you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Strawberry switch with its silky and buttery actuation could be just what you're looking for. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision and find the perfect switch for your specific typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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 Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Strawberry differ in terms of their housing materials. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, while the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. These materials have distinct characteristics that result in contrasting sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal creates a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate, which offers a more clear and resonant sound profile. Overall, the choice between the two materials will depend on personal preference for the sound produced during typing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Kailh Box Royal utilizes a nylon housing, while the KTT Strawberry incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry enhances the overall sound with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. Additionally, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry is aesthetically appealing for users interested in RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better illumination. However, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Strawberry also share similarities. Both nylon and polycarbonate are widely recognized as classic switch housing materials. They both contribute to a fuller sound profile, though the specifics of the sound characteristics may differ. Additionally, their impact on the typing experience is notable, with the softer nylon housing creating a more absorbing and potentially quieter feel, while the stiffer polycarbonate offers a more pronounced and potentially louder feedback. Therefore, those seeking a keyboard switch that delivers a rich and immersive typing experience can expect similar results from both the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Strawberry, albeit with slight variations in sound profile and aesthetic possibilities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Royal has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal is noticeably heavier at 70 grams, while the Strawberry is lighter at 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Strawberry would be the better choice as it requires less force both for actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for individuals who spend extended periods of time typing or gaming, as it reduces fatigue. On the other hand, the Box Royal is suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, as its higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel.
Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force, with the Box Royal being slightly heavier. However, when considering the bottom out force, the Box Royal is heavier compared to the Strawberry. It's important to consider personal preferences and typing styles when deciding between the two, as weight plays a significant role in determining the typing experience one seeks.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Strawberry switch is slightly longer than the Box Royal. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Strawberry switch, you will feel a slightly greater distance compared to the Box Royal. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Strawberry switch falls within the more traditional range, providing a good balance of depth. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Royal is slightly shallower, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for increased responsiveness, the Box Royal would be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a more substantial keypress with greater depth, the Strawberry switch with its longer travel distance would be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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 best known for its sharp, binary tactile feedback. It offers a nearly aggressive tactility, making it a great choice for those who prefer a strong and distinct tactile bump. In terms of sound, the Box Royal has a relatively higher pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be a preferred option for those who do not enjoy the richer and bassier sound profiles of certain keyboard switches.
On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. It offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This switch provides a fluid travel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. In terms of sound, the Strawberry switch has a lower pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
Comparing the two switches, it is evident that the Box Royal and Strawberry switches offer different subjective qualities. The Box Royal provides a sharp and binary tactility, with a higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a smooth and frictionless feel, with a lower pitched sound profile.
If you are seeking a highly tactile switch with a sharper sound, the Kailh Box Royal would be the recommended choice. However, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a mellower sound, the KTT Strawberry switch would be more suitable. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and cater to different preferences.
It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that while the available information allows for a comparison between the subjective qualities of these switches, it is always recommended to try out different switches in person to determine the most suitable option for your personal preference.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're someone who values an intense and aggressive tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Royal switches would be the ideal choice for you. With their sharp and binary tactility, these switches offer a pronounced tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, then the KTT Strawberry switches are the way to go. These switches are loved for their frictionless and silky feel, providing a fluid travel that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction. Moreover, the Strawberry switches have a lower-pitched sound profile, which offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and KTT Strawberry switches depends on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, typing experience, and sound profile.
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