Kailh Box Royal vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, you may come across the Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch, and the HMX Xinhai, a linear switch. The Box Royal is well-known for its sharp, binary tactility, making it ideal for those seeking a highly tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out for its unique combination of a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, offering a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance. Each switch has its own characteristics that may cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the HMX Xinhai switches offer contrasting effects on sound profiles. The Box Royal's nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder tone. In contrast, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. While the Box Royal's nylon bottom housing enhances the switch's sound profile with its softer plastic properties, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing offers a similar effect, creating a deeper and fuller sound.
The use of different housing materials in the top and bottom housings of the switches splits the qualities brought by each material. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's characteristics, such as sound and feel, have a more significant impact, while the top housing affects the sound produced when releasing a key. The contrasting effects of the nylon and polycarbonate housing materials are evident in the overall sound profile of the switches. While the Box Royal with its nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the Xinhai with its polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper tone.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Box Royal and the Xinhai switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether it be the softer, rounder sound of the Box Royal's nylon housing or the sharper, crisper tone of the Xinhai's polycarbonate housing, both switches provide a distinct typing experience. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound profile and feel while typing.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch with an actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Box Royal requires more force to trigger a keystroke, giving a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Box Royal is 70 grams, which is heavier than the Xinhai's bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Box Royal requires more force to fully press the key down, providing a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. The Box Royal offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the type of tactile feedback desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 offers a high-pitched, sharp, and binary sound profile that can be quite distinctive and attention-grabbing. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a clacky and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Depending on your preference, the Box Royal may be more suitable for those who enjoy a sharper and more defined sound, while the Xinhai may appeal to individuals who prefer a slightly softer acoustics profile with a unique crispness.
When it comes to feel, the Box Royal switch is characterized by a sharp and intense tactile feedback due to its strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt prominently with each keypress. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy sensation that provides a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving the keys a lively feel with a noticeable rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Xinhai is also described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys with a silky sensation.
Considering the sound and feel of both switches, it is evident that the Kailh Box Royal and HMX Xinhai switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you appreciate a high-pitched and sharp sound along with a sharp tactile feedback, the Box Royal may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound paired with a bouncy and creamy feel that provides a unique typing experience, the HMX Xinhai switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the level of tactility and bottom out force that best suits your typing preference. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force and an extremely tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more subtle, clacky sound profile with a bouncy or creamy feel, the Xinhai switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility, sound, or typing feel in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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