Kailh Box Royal vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Jwick Taro are two popular options with unique features. The Box Royal switches are best known for their sharp and binary tactility, offering an almost aggressive feel to your typing experience. Additionally, these switches produce a relatively higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Taro switches are recognized for their cozy typing experience and medium-level of tactility. They provide a snappy feel while emitting acute and crisp clacks. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Box Royal leans towards a sharper and more intense experience, whereas the Taro provides a more comfortable and subdued feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Jwick Taro differ in terms of their housing materials, with the Box Royal featuring a nylon top housing while the Taro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Box Royal's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the Taro is particularly advantageous if one plans to use RGB lighting, given its translucency.
In terms of their bottom housings, both switches employ nylon as the housing material. This choice results in a similar deep and full sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its relatively softer nature. As a result, both the Box Royal and the Taro elicit a duller and rounder sound when typing on their switches.
It is worth noting that when a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the characteristics of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Box Royal and the Taro may have different top housings, the overall results in terms of sound profile and feel may still be similar due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Taro's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams (medium-heavy).
The actuation force of a switch determines the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke. In this case, the Box Royal can be considered lighter in terms of actuation force, as it requires 45 grams compared to the unknown force of the Taro. This lighter actuation force might make the Box Royal more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and wish to use the keyboard for extended periods, such as during work or long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the bottom out force of both switches is the same at 67 grams, providing a similar level of typing experience in terms of the force needed to press the key all the way down. This makes them both fall into the medium-heavy category, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing.
Weight considerations in switches are important due to the different preferences individuals have. While some prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions, others opt for heavier switches to have a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Kailh Box Royal can be seen as the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, while the Jwick Taro's actuation force remains unknown. However, both switches deliver a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a similar result for those who prefer more forceful keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While the difference may seem small, it can potentially impact the typing or gaming experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become popular recently due to their faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Box Royal with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper keypress, the Taro with its slightly longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switches have a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This type of sound may be preferred by those who do not enjoy the richer and bassier sound profiles of certain switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound level and are suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or at work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switches are known for their sharp tactile feedback. This means that they offer a high-intensity tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches provide a buttery feel, which implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro switches are also described as stepped, meaning they have a mild feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, compared to the more pronounced bump of the Box Royal switches.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Royal switches and the Jwick Taro switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal switches provide a high-pitched sound profile and a sharp tactile feedback, ideal for those seeking an aggressive tactility. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound level suitable for various environments, and a buttery feel with a smooth typing experience. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound with a sharp and prominent tactile bump, the Box Royal switches would be the recommended choice. However, if you prefer a more comfortable and mild typing experience, with a neutral sound profile, the Taro switches would be the appropriate option. Keep in mind that personal preferences may vary, and it is always best to try out different switches to determine which suits your preferences and typing style the best.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is important to consider your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. If you are looking for an aggressive and sharp tactile feedback, the Box Royal is the perfect choice for you. These switches provide a binary tactility that is unmatched, giving you a satisfying keypress with each stroke. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more comfortable and cozy typing experience, the Taro switches are a great option. They offer a snappy and medium-level of tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. The Taro switches also have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. Furthermore, the Taro switches provide a buttery keystroke experience, ensuring a smooth and fluid typing sensation. If you enjoy the feeling of a stepped switch, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, the Taro switches offer that as well. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Jwick Taro tactile switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. Consider what type of typing experience you are seeking and choose accordingly.
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