Kailh Box Royal vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are both popular choices for tactile switches. The Box Royal is widely recognized for its unparalleled tactility, providing a sharp and binary tactile feedback that is perfect for those seeking an almost aggressive typing experience. Additionally, these switches produce a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches offer a different kind of satisfaction. With a medium-light actuation force, they strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing even during long sessions. Their familiar auditory experience, achieved through a combination of nylon housing and POM stem, is cherished by enthusiasts. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch, so you can make an informed decision on which one best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, while both switches share the same housing material, the Box Royal and the WS Brown may differ in terms of the specific design and construction of their housings. These differences could potentially affect the overall typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housings of a switch means that the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided between these two parts. As a result, when pressing down on the switch, the feel and sound produced will be primarily influenced by the bottom housing. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound will be more affected by the top housing. Therefore, variations in the design and construction of the housings may lead to differences in the tactile feedback and sound produced by these two switches.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both feature nylon as the material for their switch housings, there may be differences in their specific designs that can impact the overall typing experience. Nevertheless, the shared use of nylon ensures that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller typist experience with a rounder sound due to the sound-absorbing qualities of this material. Whether opting for the Box Royal or the WS Brown, users can expect a similar result in terms of sound profile, while potentially encountering variations in the feel and feedback provided by the bottom and top housing design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Kailh Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force of the WS Brown is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, respectively.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Brown may be a favorable choice as its actuation force is unknown, potentially indicating a lighter touch is required to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions, allowing for reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force of 45 grams. This can provide users with a stronger push feel and a more satisfying keystroke response.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the WS Brown to be more suitable, while individuals who enjoy a heavier actuation force may prefer the Kailh Box Royal. Both switches offer their own unique tactile experience, catering to different user needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of a shorter travel distance, as the most traditional travel distance is 4.0 mm. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Kailh Box Royal may be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial key press. In that case, the Wuque Studio WS Brown with its slightly longer travel distance might be a better fit. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50.
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
The Kailh Box Royal and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal is well-known for its sharp, binary tactility, providing an almost aggressive feedback with each keypress. This strong and crisp tactile bump delivers a highly tactile experience that is favored by those seeking an intense feedback sensation. In terms of sound, the Box Royal produces a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, which gives it a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the WS Brown switches boast a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches offer a more familiar and less aggressive tactile experience. The tactile feedback is smoother, allowing for fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. The WS Brown switches provide a delightful auditory experience thanks to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, although the specific sound profile is not mentioned.
When it comes to sound, it is essential to note that the chosen keyboard board and keycap combination can influence the overall sound produced by the switches. However, based on the information provided, the Kailh Box Royal switches are described as having a higher-pitched and sharp sound profile. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the WS Brown switches are unknown.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal is recognized for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a high-intensity feedback sensation. Conversely, the WS Brown switches' feel is not described in the given information.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box Royal and WS Brown switches differ in their subjective qualities. The Box Royal delivers a sharp and aggressive tactile experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the WS Brown switches prioritize a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, offering a less aggressive tactile experience with an unknown sound characteristic. Regardless of these differences, both switches provide enthusiasts with a distinct and satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences. Depending on your desired level of tactility and sound preference, either switch could be an excellent choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who values extreme tactility, the Kailh Box Royal switches are the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches provide a sharp and binary tactility that can be felt with each and every keypress. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal switches deliver in that aspect as well. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more balanced and comfortable typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches are a great option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light actuation force that strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. They also provide a familiar and delightful auditory experience due to their nylon housing and POM stem combination, although specifics about the sound profile are not mentioned. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches depends on your preference for tactility and sound profile.
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