Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Type A offer unique experiences for users. The Box Royal is renowned for its incredibly tactile feel, providing a sharp and almost aggressive tactility that is unmatched. In contrast, the Gateron Type A stands out for its innovative design in Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," offering a smooth and linear experience with a medium-weight feel. While the Box Royal has a higher-pitched sound profile, the Type A leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, providing a more subdued sound. If you're drawn to extreme tactility, the Box Royal may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and smoother typing experience, the Gateron Type A could be the switch 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Both the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Type A switches use nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. The similarities in housing material contribute to a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the distribution of these materials in the top and bottom housings may influence the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, which impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, will be more pronounced when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the qualities of the top housing will be more noticeable when releasing a key. This distribution might result in subtle differences in sound and feel between the two switches despite their shared housing material.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Type A switches offer a comparable typing experience due to their use of nylon housing material. The softness of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, making both switches ideal for users looking for a quieter and more subdued typing experience. While slight differences in sound and feel may exist due to the distribution of housing material, the overall performance and feel of these switches are likely to be quite similar.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Type A linear switch's 50 grams. However, the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Type A only requires 55 grams to bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Type A switch may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Box Royal offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches provide a tactile feedback, but the Box Royal requires a slightly lighter touch to actuate. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gateron Type A linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances. The shorter travel distance of the Box Royal provides a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers looking for swift reactions. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Type A may appeal to those seeking a more substantial keystroke with a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style, as both can provide satisfying results depending on individual needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70.
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 offers a high-pitched profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can provide a distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A switch has a more neutral sound profile with a subdued quality, offering a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. The Type A's sound leans towards the deeper side of the spectrum, contrasting with the high-pitched nature of the Box Royal. Depending on personal preference, users may enjoy the more aggressive and sharp sound of the Box Royal or opt for the softer and more mellow sound of the Type A.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by its sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and distinct tactile bump with each keypress. The Gateron Type A switch does not have a specific descriptor for feel available, but based on its medium-weight nature and factory lubrication, it likely provides a smooth and consistent linear keystroke experience without the prominent tactile bump that the Box Royal switch offers.
Considering all available information, the Kailh Box Royal switch excels in providing a highly tactile and sharp typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A switch offers a more subdued and neutral sound with a smooth linear feel that may appeal to those seeking a quieter and softer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a more aggressive and sharp tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound with a medium-weight feel that leans towards a deeper sound spectrum, the Type A is the better choice for you. Consider your typing habits, noise tolerance, and sensitivity to tactile feedback to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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