Kailh Box Royal vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) represent contrasting philosophies that cater to different typing preferences. The Box Royal is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback, offering a sharp, binary tactility that provides an almost aggressive typing experience; this makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more interactive and responsive feel with each keystroke. Additionally, its higher-pitched sound profile adds a distinct auditory element that can enhance the satisfaction of typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) delivers a smooth, linear experience thanks to its Ly stems, allowing for seamless key presses without the tactile bump, making it perfect for users who prioritize a fluid typing motion and minimal resistance. While both switches have their unique advantages—be it the pronounced tactility of the Box Royal or the fluidity of the Tomcat—it's essential to consider your typing style and preferences for sound and feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$6.25 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) exhibit notable differences that impact their auditory characteristics and tactile experiences. The Box Royal employs a nylon top housing, which is revered for its softer plastic nature. This contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a typing experience that absorbs sound and minimizes harshness. The nylon construction allows it to produce a quieter clicking noise, resulting in a typing experience that feels warm and rounded. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is significantly stiffer. This material yields a sharper and crisper sound, allowing vibrations to resonate more clearly, thus providing a brighter auditory feedback. The architectural differences between these materials fundamentally affect the switches' sound output and response when in use.

In their bottom housings, both switches share a commonality: they utilize nylon. This consistency leads to similarities in sound and feel upon bottoming out, as nylon retains its properties across different switch components. The result is a cohesive typing experience where the softer plastic of the bottom housing absorbs sound, contributing to the overall resonance. Typing on both switches will elicit a rich depth in sound when the keys are fully pressed down, enhancing the tactile feedback experienced by the user. In this sense, the Box Royal and Tomcat (Heavy) create a harmonious interaction between their nylon bottom halves, which ground both switches in a warmer auditory experience at the lower end of the sound spectrum.

Ultimately, the contrasting top housings of the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) shape markedly different auditory profiles, while their nylon bottom housings unify their tactile experiences. When pressed, the Box Royal's top housing generates a subdued response, suitable for quieter environments, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more pronounced and vibrant typing experience that resonates with clarity. However, when removed from the equation, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will experience a similar foundational sound and feel upon key actuation, allowing both switches to offer distinct yet somewhat comparable typing experiences overall. Thus, one can appreciate the unique qualities of each switch while also recognizing how certain elements result in mutual outcomes.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams. This means that the Box Royal is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for those who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming for extended periods. However, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a stronger push feel, ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy category, but the Box Royal's lower actuation force may lead to a more comfortable typing experience over long durations, while the Tomcat’s heavier actuation force can provide a satisfying resistance for those who prefer that feel. Overall, users will appreciate the differences based on their personal preferences for typing comfort versus a stronger keystroke.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a comparable tactile response and keypress feel when using either switch. Since both switches travel the same distance from top to bottom, they yield similar results in terms of typing experience and actuation. Therefore, whether one chooses the tactile Kailh Box Royal or the linear Bsun Tomcat, the keypress sensation and distance feel will be virtually indistinguishable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch offers a high-pitched auditory profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound upon actuation. This can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a brighter, more defined auditory feedback and wish to avoid the deeper, bass-heavy sounds characteristic of other switch types. On the other hand, while detailed descriptions of the sound profile for the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch are not provided, it’s noted that these switches deliver a resonant sound quality. The specific nature of that resonance could vary depending on individual setups and components, but it suggests a unique auditory experience that may complement its smooth action.

In terms of feel, the Box Royal is characterized by its sharp and aggressive tactility, providing a strong and distinct tactile bump that ensures users receive prominent feedback with each keystroke. This intensity can be ideal for those who enjoy a very pronounced and energetic typing experience. Conversely, details about the tactile feedback of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch are not mentioned, leaving its tactile characteristics open to interpretation. However, the mention of "Ly stems" suggests a smoothness that may provide a different kind of typing experience, favoring effortless key presses over tactile feedback intensity.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch stands out with its pronounced, high-pitched auditory feedback and sharp tactile feel, making it ideal for users seeking a vigorous and responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, while the specifics of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch's sound and tactile feel remain less defined, its smoothness could present a contrasting typing style that emphasizes fluidity. The choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference—those who value clear, tactile feedback and bright sound may gravitate towards the Box Royals, while others may prefer the smoothness of the Tomcat switches, even though the exact tactile and aural characteristics of the latter remain to be fully explored.

Conclusion

To conclude, the decision between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a prominent tactile feedback with a sharp and aggressive feel, the Box Royal is an excellent choice, especially for typing and competitive gaming where every keystroke needs to be felt and heard distinctly, thanks to its higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth typing experience that facilitates rapid typing with minimal resistance, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch will serve you well. Its medium-heavy bottoming out force will still provide a satisfying heft but without the tactile bump, allowing for a quieter and more subdued sound profile that’s less intrusive in shared environments. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound clarity or a smoother and quieter operation.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more