Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Twilight 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 switches can significantly impact your typing or gaming experience. The Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its sharp, binary tactility, providing a satisfying feedback that makes each keystroke feel deliberate and pronounced. If you enjoy a switch that delivers an aggressive tactile response accompanied by a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal could be your ideal choice. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch offers a linear feel with an extended 3.85mm travel distance, resulting in a quieter operation that still maintains the clacky characteristics beloved by many HMX enthusiasts. This makes the Twilight a fantastic option for those who prefer a smooth typing experience without the auditory feedback of a tactile switch. Both options cater to different preferences and needs, making it essential to consider what feels best for you. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
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 HMX Twilight switches are both designed with nylon housings, which play a significant role in how they sound and feel during use. Both switches feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, which is recognized as a classic material in the mechanical switch industry. This commonality means that both switches exhibit a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's characteristics as a softer plastic. The material is adept at absorbing sound, resulting in a less harsh auditory experience, thereby allowing typists to enjoy a rounder and more muted sound whenever they engage with these switches.
While both the Box Royal and Twilight switches share identical housing materials, the overall typing experience can still vary based on their design and specifications beyond the housing. Although the sound absorption qualities of the nylon in both the top and bottom housings would produce similar sound profiles, small differences in other components, such as the switch’s spring or stem, could influence the feel and feedback when typing. Therefore, while the general acoustic qualities may align, the tactile experience could potentially shift, highlighting the nuanced differences between the two switches.
In conclusion, despite the similarities in their nylon top and bottom housings, which contribute to an engaging typing experience characterized by sound absorption and a rounded tonal quality, subtle distinctions may arise from the specific engineering of each switch. As the nylon material fosters comparable acoustic properties, users can expect a notably similar auditory experience when engaging with these switches. However, the interplay of different internal mechanics may lead to varied tactile reactions, emphasizing the importance of considering not just the material, but the overall design and functionality when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Twilight switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Royal features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the 42 grams required for the Twilight switch, making the latter feel lighter under the fingers. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal again feels heavier at 70 grams compared to the Twilight's 50 grams. This contrast means that typists and gamers who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Box Royal, while those who appreciate a lighter touch for longer typing sessions might opt for the HMX Twilight. Overall, users can expect a more pronounced tactile feedback from the Box Royal, while the Twilight offers a smoother and less forceful experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we see distinct differences. The Box Royal features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Twilight has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the Box Royal the shorter option, which could be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance provides a deeper feel, catering to those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference—if you value responsiveness and speed, the Box Royal may be the better choice; however, if you favor a more pronounced tactile feedback, then the Twilight could be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 comparing the sound profile of the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Twilight switches, there's a notable contrast. The Box Royal switches produce a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. This characteristic is ideal for users who enjoy the clarity of each keystroke without the muddiness that can accompany lower-pitched switches. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switches are designed to be slightly quieter, producing a sound that maintains the signature clacky qualities typical of HMX switches while benefiting from an extended travel distance of 3.85mm. However, the overall specifics of the Twilight's sound profile are not elaborated, leaving some uncertainty in comparison.
In terms of feel, the differences are quite pronounced as well. The Kailh Box Royal switches are known for their exceptionally sharp tactile feedback. This strong and crisp tactile bump offers high feedback intensity, making each keypress feel distinct and satisfying. This aggressive tactility suits users who appreciate a tactile experience that clearly signals when a key has been actuated. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Twilight switch is less defined in the provided information, as no specific tactile feedback or characteristics are mentioned. Thus, while it's reasonable to assume that the linear nature of the Twilight would offer a smoother keystroke without the pronounced bump, the exact feel remains undetermined without additional information.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal switches are characterized by their high-pitched sound and sharp, aggressive tactility, making them a great choice for users seeking strong feedback and clarity. Meanwhile, the HMX Twilight linear switches provide a quieter sound with an extended travel distance, aimed at delivering a smoother typing experience without the tactile feedback of their counterpart. For users prioritizing a tactile response and pronounced sound, the Box Royal stands out, while those who might lean towards a quieter and smoother typing feel may find the Twilight appealing—though its specific feel remains less defined.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy a more assertive keypress, the Box Royal will likely serve you well. Its pronounced tactile bump and heavier actuation force of 70 grams provide a satisfying and intense typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a more engaged feel while typing or gaming. The high-pitched sound profile adds a sharp acoustic element that can enhance the overall experience, especially in a quieter environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter keystroke with less resistance, the HMX Twilight may be the better choice for you. With a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, these switches allow for rapid typing and are well-suited for tasks that require speed and fluidity, such as fast-paced gaming or long writing sessions. The Twilight's sound profile is quieter, making it a great option for shared workspaces where noise levels may be a concern. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and the specific experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard.
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