Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between tactile and linear types can significantly impact your typing experience. The Kailh Box Royal is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a highly tactile feel, delivering an aggressive tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel deliberate and pronounced. Its higher-pitched sound profile adds an audible feedback that some users find satisfying and engaging. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, caters to those who prefer a smoother typing experience. This linear switch combines quality materials to achieve a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, while the factory lubrication ensures a fluid and whisper-quiet operation. Choosing the Box Royal is perfect for typists who appreciate strong tactile feedback, while the Sunset Gleam appeals to those who value a seamless, consistent keystroke without the interruption of tactile bumps. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Sunset Gleam, we can observe notable differences in their construction. The Kailh Box Royal features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This material inherently absorbs more sound, resulting in a softer typing experience with a rounder auditory characteristic. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate accentuates higher frequencies, creating a more resonant and vibrant sound. Additionally, the translucency offered by polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly in setups that utilize RGB lighting, making it an attractive choice for customization enthusiasts.
On the bottom housing front, both the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Sunset Gleam share nylon as their material choice. Here, the qualities of nylon shine through, producing a consistent deep and full sound profile. This commonality ensures that while the two switches may differ significantly in upper sound characteristics, their lower sound profiles will resonate similarly. With nylon being a softer plastic, both switches will maintain the same absorbing qualities at their bases, which will positively influence the bottom-out feel during typing sessions. As such, despite the distinct top housing differences, the consistent use of nylon on the bottom housing fosters a sense of cohesion in their tactile experiences.
Overall, the contrasting materials in the top housings of the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Sunset Gleam highlight how each design brings a unique character to the switches. While the Kailh Box Royal's nylon top lends itself to a deeper sound profile, the polycarbonate top of the Sunset Gleam creates a clearer and more resonant sound. However, both switches will share a common lower sound quality, thanks to the nylon bottom housing. This interplay between the materials means that users can experience diverse auditory characteristics based on the top housing, while still enjoying a consistent and rich sound experience rooted in the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Royal requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This difference may appeal to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making the Sunset Gleam a more suitable choice for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Box Royal also demonstrates greater resistance at 70 grams compared to the Sunset Gleam's 48 grams. This results in a more significant push feel with the Box Royal, appealing to users who enjoy a substantial typing experience. In summary, the Box Royal is the heavier option, providing more resistance throughout its travel, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers a lighter and more effortless touch, ideal for those who value comfort during extended typing periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we observe a slight difference: the Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures 3.5 mm. This makes the Sunset Gleam the shorter option, albeit by a minimal margin. For users who favor a more responsive typing experience, the Sunset Gleam’s shorter travel distance may be more appealing, enabling quicker actuation and faster response times—beneficial for gaming. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper feel while typing may prefer the Kailh Box Royal, which offers a bit more travel distance. Ultimately, while the two switches are similar in travel distance, the choice between them comes down to personal preference in feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 produces a distinctive high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp upon activation. This auditory profile appeals to those who prefer a more pronounced and bright keypress, as opposed to the richer or bass-heavy sounds often associated with other switches. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is known for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, which suggests a more balanced and pleasant sound experience. However, the information on the exact pitch or character of the Sunset Gleam's sound isn't specified, making it difficult to compare directly with the Box Royal's higher register. Overall, both switches can deliver enjoyable soundscapes, contingent on the keyboard setup, but they cater to distinct auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal stands out for its sharp and pronounced tactile feedback, characterized by a strong, crisp bump that is felt distinctly with each keystroke. This kind of aggressive tactility makes it an ideal choice for those who seek a tactile experience that ensures every keypress is felt unequivocally. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam is a linear switch, meaning it lacks the tactile bump that defines the experience of the Box Royal. While linear switches generally deliver a smoother keypress without feedback, the feel of the Sunset Gleam is enhanced by its factory lube and construction, purportedly providing a satisfying sensation during use; exact details on its tactility or feedback intensity are not provided.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch cater to very different user preferences—one emphasizes sharp, aggressive tactility and higher-pitched sound, while the other leans towards smooth keypresses with a satisfying clack sound. Users looking for pronounced tactile feedback will find the Box Royal unmatched, while those who appreciate a linear experience with quality sound may gravitate towards the Sunset Gleam. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer pronounced actuations or smooth, fluid key presses.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a more pronounced tactile experience and enjoy a robust, high-pitched sound when typing, the Box Royal is an excellent option with its aggressive tactility and medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, which can provide a fulfilling feedback sensation that's great for both typing and gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump, the Sunset Gleam is designed to deliver a satisfying yet subtle feel with its low 48-gram actuation force and a delightful sound profile due to its factory lube. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize speed and smoothness in their typing experience. In the end, your choice should reflect whether you desire a tactile punching sensation or a seamless linear glide for your mechanical keyboard.
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