Kailh Box Royal vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and the Huano Strawberry Latte present two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Box Royal is renowned for its sharp, binary tactility, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer an assertive feedback with each keystroke. Its high-pitched sound profile enhances the typing experience, providing an audible cue that many hardcore typists and gamers find satisfying. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a smooth, linear experience, utilizing advanced molds for a flawless keypress devoid of tactile bumps. Its balanced sound profile provides a more subdued auditory experience, appealing to users who prioritize a slick, uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming. While the Box Royal is ideal for those seeking tactile engagement, the Strawberry Latte is perfect for those who value seamless, quick input. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and Huano Strawberry Latte switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which contributes to their unique sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer texture which allows for a deeper, fuller sound when typing. This softer plastic absorbs sound better than harder materials, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte's POK top housing, although still intended for smooth operation, offers a clackier sound due to POK’s higher coefficient of friction. While both switches deliver distinct auditory characteristics, the nylon in the Box Royal prioritizes sound dampening, whereas the POK material ensures a crisper auditory feedback.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, providing a consistent foundation for their acoustic properties. Nylon is revered for its ability to absorb sound, contributing to that deeper, fuller profile that users enjoy. This means that despite the differing materials used in their top housings, both switches share similar sound characteristics in terms of bottom-out experience. The commonality in using nylon for the bottom housing results in comparable durability and impact absorption, reinforcing that each switch's overall sound and feel is largely rooted in the bottom construction. Typing on either switch will reveal a consistent tactile sensation, with the nylon offering a dependable feel whether you are working on the Kailh Box Royal or the Huano Strawberry Latte.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the Kailh Box Royal and Huano Strawberry Latte reflect a divergence in sound profile while still aligning in the bottom housing. The nylon of the Box Royal provides a dampened sound compared to the clackiness offered by the POK top of the Strawberry Latte. However, since both switches employ nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a generally similar typing feel, especially during the bottom-out phase. Therefore, those seeking a deeper sound may prefer the Box Royal, while those desiring a sharper auditory feedback might lean towards the Strawberry Latte, yet both switches can deliver a satisfying tactile experience thanks to their shared nylon bottom material.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct user preferences. The Box Royal requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option ideal for those who favor a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of just 45 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a softer key press, which could be less fatiguing during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the lighter switch overall, while the Kailh Box Royal provides a heftier feel, aligning with individuals who prefer that stronger feedback. Overall, these differences highlight how the choice between these switches depends largely on the desired typing experience and user comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that the distance they travel from the top to the bottom is identical. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on the keys for both switches. The equal travel distance can result in similar typing experiences, making both switches suitable for those who prioritize consistent key action in their mechanical keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 features a high-pitched profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound upon activation. This audio feedback is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory response and do not enjoy the rich, bassy tones that some other switches offer. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch has a balanced sound profile; it isn’t overly quiet but also doesn’t resonate excessively. This makes it versatile and suitable for environments where you want to avoid disruptive noise while still enjoying a satisfying keystroke sound.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal switch excels with its sharp tactile feedback. The aggressive tactility provides a very strong and distinct bump that can be felt clearly with each press, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy significant feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, while the specific feel of the Strawberry Latte is not explicitly detailed, it is known for being super smooth due to advanced manufacturing processes. This implies that it may deliver a fluid typing experience without any noticeable tactile feedback, catering to those who prefer a linear feel.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Royal and Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. If you seek an aggressive tactile response paired with a high-pitched sound, the Box Royal is your go-to choice. Alternatively, if you're looking for a smooth typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize sharp tactile feedback or a more fluid linear motion in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you crave a highly tactile response and enjoy the sensation of a pronounced bump with each keypress, the Box Royal is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams offers a satisfying resistance that many typists find rewarding, especially if you prefer a more aggressive feedback. Moreover, the higher-pitched sound profile can enhance the feeling of precision with each keystroke, making it ideal for focused typing sessions or gaming where every action counts. Conversely, if you favor a smoother, lighter touch, the Huano Strawberry Latte is likely the better option. With a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a super smooth experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. Their balanced sound profile and lack of sharp tactility make them suitable for a quieter environment where soft key presses are preferred. Ultimately, consider what aspects—tactility, sound, or overall feel—are most important for your typing style, and you'll make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
