Kailh Box Royal vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular options exemplify this contrast: the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Yunhai. The Box Royal is renowned for its exceptionally sharp tactile feedback, providing a pronounced and aggressive bump that enthusiasts often crave. Its higher-pitched sound adds an auditory sharpness that complements the tactile experience, making it an ideal choice for those who thrive on feedback during every keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches deliver a smoother, linear feel characterized by a lighter actuation force and a deep, rounded sound profile, catering to typists who favor a softer, more effortless typing experience without the distraction of tactile bumps. Each switch offers a unique appeal—whether you seek the pronounced feedback of the Box Royal or the gentle ease of the Yunhai—hence, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

TTC Yunhai Linear

$6.25 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Royal and TTC Yunhai switches exhibit a notable similarity in terms of their housing materials, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of nylon is significant as it exemplifies a classic approach in switch construction, known for delivering a distinctive acoustic profile. The deeper and fuller sound associated with switches made from nylon is attributed to the material's softer plastic nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, both the Box Royal and the Yunhai switches are conducive to producing a duller and rounder sound, leading to a consistent auditory experience across the two switch varieties.

While both switches share identical housing materials, their construction can still result in variations in feel and performance. The impact of the different housings can often manifest in how the switches feel during typing or gaming. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound, and with both the Kailh Box Royal and the TTC Yunhai employing nylon throughout, they will similarly provide a muted and more cushioned feel at the point of actuation. Conversely, the top housing comes into play when releasing the keys, where both switches will reflect the same characteristics of sound dampening; thus, users can expect a consistently satisfying keystroke release across both options.

Ultimately, the use of nylon in both the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Yunhai switches suggests that, despite any minor differences in manufacturing or design specifics, users seeking a particular auditory and tactile experience will find similar results when using either switch. The reliance on nylon for both the top and bottom housings means that enthusiasts will encounter a comparable depth of sound during operation, promoting a cohesive typing experience. Whether one opts for the Box Royal or the Yunhai, they can anticipate a familiar, rounded acoustic profile and cushioned keystroke feel that effectively characterizes both switch designs.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, distinct differences emerge in their tactile feedback and overall typing experience. The Kailh Box Royal features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai offers a lighter touch with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Yunhai switch is generally more forgiving for extended typing or gaming sessions, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter feel. Conversely, the Kailh Box Royal, with its heavier forces, provides a more substantial typing experience that some users may favor for greater tactile feedback and resistance. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique attributes, the Box Royal is the heavier choice, while the Yunhai is lighter, catering to different preferences in comfort and typing style.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed, both switches will travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures a comparable feel and responsiveness between the two switches, making them a suitable choice for users who prefer a consistent actuation distance when typing or gaming. Therefore, with both switches offering a travel distance of 3.6 mm, users can expect similar results in terms of key engagement and overall typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch features a high-pitched sound profile that produces a sharp and crisp auditory experience upon actuation. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a cleaner, more defined auditory feedback without the richness or bassy resonance found in some other switches. The TTC Yunhai linear switch, on the other hand, is characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile, which offers a more laid-back auditory experience. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly influence the typing experience, catering to different preferences depending on whether one prefers a more aggressive, pinpoint sound or a smoother, subdued tone.

In terms of feel, the Box Royal switch is renowned for its sharp tactility, delivering a highly pronounced tactile bump that provides substantial feedback with each keystroke. This strong tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, particularly for those who enjoy a more mechanical feel. Meanwhile, the TTC Yunhai switch excels in providing an incredibly light actuation force, which translates to a gentle and effortless feel. This can be especially appealing for typists who seek a smoother and more fluid typing experience without the intensity of a pronounced tactile response.

Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and TTC Yunhai switches cater to different user preferences and typing experiences. The Box Royal offers a sharp, high-pitched auditory feedback paired with its distinctly tactile feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy direct and responsive keypresses. In contrast, the Yunhai delivers a rounded sound coupled with a gentle and light touch, appealing to those who prioritize a more relaxed typing style. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, allowing for a customized typing experience tailored to individual tastes.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and typing experience. If you prioritize a pronounced tactile sensation and a more forceful typing feel, the Box Royal is the switch for you. With its sharp and binary tactility, this switch caters to users who appreciate a strong feedback with a notable resistance, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more aggressive typing style or require precise key presses during gaming. Additionally, the high-pitched sound profile may appeal to typists who prefer a crisper auditory response. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, lighter touch with an effortless keypress, the Yunhai linear switch shines. Its lower actuation force of 50 grams provides a gentle touch that facilitates a quicker typing rhythm, while its deep, rounded sound profile offers a richer auditory experience that some may find more satisfying. In summary, choose the Box Royal for a tactile and dynamic feel, and opt for the Yunhai if you seek a light, fluid typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more