Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron Zero Degree 0° stand out among the rest for their unique features. The Box Royal is a tactile switch, celebrated for its sharp and binary tactility, making it ideal for those seeking a more aggressive typing experience. With a relatively higher pitched sound profile, these switches are perfect for users who enjoy a tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is a linear switch that offers a revolutionary silent typing experience. Its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure provide unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. Although both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, we find that the Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing while the Zero Degree 0° features a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Zero Degree 0° creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Box Royal's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound, the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° utilize a nylon material. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effects of the nylon top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile for both switches. While the top housing may have a more significant impact on the sound when pressing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Although the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° differ in their top housing materials (nylon vs. polycarbonate), their shared use of a nylon bottom housing provides similar deep and full sound profiles. While the Box Royal's nylon top housing offers a softer and fuller typing experience, the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences related to RGB lighting.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force is the amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press down all the way. In terms of weight, the Kailh Box Royal would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° would allow for longer typing sessions with its lighter feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 3.6mm. This means that users will experience a consistent key press feeling when using either of these switches. With the same travel distance, typing on both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance that falls within the average range for mechanical keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its high-pitched profile, which produces a sharp and distinct sound when pressed. This can be suitable for those who prefer a crisper sound over a richer, bassy tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed to absorb sound and reduce noise, promising a quieter typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard's build and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal offers an intense and sharp tactile feedback with a prominent and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with every keypress. This aggressive tactility is ideal for users who enjoy a strong tactile response. As for the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, details about its specific feel are not provided. However, based on the information available, it emphasizes smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel, which suggests a more gentle typing experience compared to the Box Royal's sharp tactility.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by its high-pitched sound and sharp tactile feel, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a more intense typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch focuses on providing a smooth and quiet typing experience with its innovative design features. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to selecting between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference for tactility and noise level. If you enjoy a highly tactile typing experience with a sharp, binary tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, stable, and silent typing experience with a soft, elastic feel that reduces noise, the Zero Degree 0° is the better choice. Consider your typing style, preferences, and environment to determine which switch suits you best.
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