Kailh Box Royal vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each variant offers a unique typing experience suited to different preferences and needs. The Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch, is revered for its sharp and binary tactility, providing users with a pronounced feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying. With a higher-pitched sound profile, these switches can enhance the overall typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch opts for a linear feel, characterized by an enchanting and smooth typing experience facilitated by a long-pole stem and extended springs. This switch prioritizes fluidity and stability, making it an ideal choice for gamers who favor rapid key presses with minimal resistance. Ultimately, whether you prefer the aggressive tactility of the Box Royal or the seamless smoothness of the Taichi, the choice comes down to personal preference and usage scenario. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and Bsun Taichi switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the auditory experience during typing. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create deeper and fuller sound profiles due to the material’s softer characteristics. This ability to absorb sound contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Taichi employs a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance, leading to a more defined and clear sound when each key is pressed. Thus, while both switches produce distinct sound profiles, the Box Royal resonates with warmth and depth, whereas the Taichi delivers a brighter tonal quality.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches share the same material: nylon. This similarity ensures that both the Box Royal and Taichi offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, thanks to nylon’s inherent softness that dampens sound. Consequently, users can expect a consistent auditory experience during key presses across both switches. The dual use of nylon in the bottom housing means that the Taichi will maintain the softer characteristics associated with this material, contributing to a rounder sound during the typing experience, even if the top housing diverges in design and material profile.
In summary, the distinct combination of materials in the top housings of the Kailh Box Royal and Bsun Taichi switches creates disparate sound signatures; however, their shared nylon bottom housing unites them in producing consistent, softer acoustic qualities when the switches are actuated. This blend of properties illustrates how the unique characteristics of each top housing material shape typing experiences, while the nylon bottom ensures that both switches retain a commonality in sound dampening. As a result, users seeking either a richer or a crisper sound can find their preferences reflected in the respective designs of these switches, while benefiting from an underlying consistency in tactile feedback and bottom-out acoustics.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The Box Royal requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while the Taichi is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams. This difference suggests that typists who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions may prefer the Taichi for its reduced actuation force. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is listed as unavailable, meaning we cannot assess how it compares to the Box Royal's bottom out force of 70 grams. The Box Royal's heavier bottom out force contributes to a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel while typing or gaming. Therefore, for users looking for a lighter feel during extended use, the Bsun Taichi is the preferable choice, while those seeking a more tactile presence might lean toward the Kailh Box Royal.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means they provide an identical experience in terms of key press depth. This shared travel distance ensures that users can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when using either switch. As a result, those who prefer either switch can achieve comparable keystroke sensitivity and performance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer, as both are equal.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 stands out with its high-pitched profile that produces a sharp and crisp tone during keypresses. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing to those who prefer a less bass-heavy and more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch is also noted for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs. Although both switches offer a high-pitched sound profile, the subtle nuances might vary based on the keyboard construction and keycaps used, but both lean towards a bright auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is renowned for its sharp tactile feedback. Its nearly aggressive tactility offers a strong and distinct bump that can be felt with each keypress, providing an engaging typing experience. Conversely, the feel of the Bsun Taichi switch is currently unknown, so it’s difficult to make a direct comparison in this category. However, the smoothness and stability promised by the Taichi’s design suggest it might offer a different tactile experience, possibly leaning towards a more muted or subtle response compared to the pronounced tactility of the Box Royal.
In summary, while the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch excels in delivering a sharp, high-pitched sound and a strong tactile feedback, the Bsun Taichi switch also presents a high-pitched auditory response, though its tactile characteristics remain uncertain. Those who prefer an aggressive tactile feel will lean towards the Box Royal, while the Taichi may appeal to individuals looking for a smooth experience, though the specifics of that are not clearly defined. Depending on your preferences, both switches can lead to satisfying typist experiences, provided you align them with your desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing experience. If you prefer a pronounced tactile feedback with an unmistakable and sharp bump, the Box Royal is likely your best option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams offers a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a more aggressive tactile feel. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile can be appealing if you like key switches that produce a crisp sound without deep bass tones. Conversely, if you favor a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Bsun Taichi is an excellent choice, thanks to its meticulously designed long-pole stem and enhanced stability, which contribute to a buttery-smooth keypress. The Taichi's enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound can also provide a unique auditory experience, further distinguishing your keyboard from others. In summary, your selection should align with whether you desire the tactile assertiveness of Box Royals or the smooth elegance of Taichi switches—both offering unique traits to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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