Kailh Box Royal vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock White Lotus, both tactile switches that offer unique characteristics. The Box Royal is known for its aggressive tactility, providing a sharp and binary response that is perfect for those seeking a highly tactile switch experience. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are designed with a more delicate tactility in mind. They strike the perfect balance, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Furthermore, their removable light column allows for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of your keyboard setup. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to better understand these switches and decide on the best option for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock White Lotus switches, both share the use of nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that users can expect similar results when it comes to the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. The nylon material in both cases creates a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This can give typists a duller and rounder sound when typing on either switch. Additionally, the softness of the nylon material can provide a unique and premium feel to the switches.
However, it is worth noting that the Durock White Lotus switches feature a modified PC and UPE blend housing for their top housing, which sets them apart from the Kailh Box Royal switches. This unique housing material may introduce subtle differences in the overall feel and sound of the keys when compared to the Kailh switches. The modified PC and UPE blend may further enhance the premium feel of the White Lotus switches, providing a distinct typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the switches play a role in the overall sound and feel, the bottom housing is said to have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This suggests that the Kailh Box Royal and Durock White Lotus switches, with their shared nylon bottom housing, may deliver a similar bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the top housing, whether it is nylon for the Kailh switches or the modified PC and UPE blend for the Durock switches, will have a stronger influence when it comes to the sound produced as the key is released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the White Lotus has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams. Both switches fall within the range of a medium actuation force. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal requires 70 grams of force, making it heavier than the White Lotus, which only requires 56 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the White Lotus offers a lighter option for those who prefer a gentler touch. However, it is worth noting that both switches are relatively close in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, so users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback, albeit with slight variations. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on individual preferences, with the Box Royal offering a heavier option and the White Lotus providing a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the White Lotus's travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Box Royal will give you a slightly shorter key press feel compared to the White Lotus. If you prefer a more responsive and quicker typing experience, the Box Royal would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial key press, the White Lotus, with its longer travel distance, would be more suitable. Both switches offer their unique benefits, so it ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 switch produces a relatively higher pitched sound when pressed. This makes it perfect for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch has a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This offers a more relaxed and soothing sound experience, especially for those who do not enjoy richer and bassier sound profiles. 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 used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is well-known for its sharp tactile feedback. It offers a high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with every keypress. This makes it a great choice for users who prefer a highly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as easy-to-press and provides gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This switch offers a low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Durock White Lotus switch is also described as mild and subtle, meaning it provides a more gentle typing experience without being overly pronounced. Overall, it offers a responsive and approachable typing feel that suits a wide range of users.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Royal and Durock White Lotus switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kailh Box Royal switch is best known for its sharp and binary tactility, making it ideal for users seeking a highly tactile experience with a relatively higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers a delicate tactility that strikes a balance between comfortable typing and gentle key presses. It has a low-pitched sound profile and is easy to press, making it suitable for work and extended typing sessions. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between a more aggressive and tactile experience with the Kailh Box Royal switch or a lighter and gentler typing feel with the Durock White Lotus switch. However, it is important to note that the choice of board and keycaps can also have an impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches. So, regardless of the switch you choose, be mindful of other factors that may influence your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a sharp and aggressive tactility, the Kailh Box Royal would be the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a high feedback intensity and a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. The sound profile of the Box Royal is relatively higher pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more delicate tactile experience, the Durock White Lotus would be ideal. With a bottom out force of 56 grams, these switches strike the perfect balance between tactility and comfort, making them suitable for work and extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects that can add a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. The sound profile of the White Lotus switches is described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock White Lotus depends on your personal preference for tactility, sound, and feel. If you enjoy a sharp and aggressive tactile feedback with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more delicate tactile experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the White Lotus would be a better choice. It's important to consider your typing style, preferences, and needs when selecting the perfect switch for you.
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