Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may want to consider the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver. The Box Royal is perfect for those who crave an intense and aggressive tactility, with a sharp, binary feel that is hard to beat. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile adds to the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver from Gateron offers exceptional value and is ideal for gamers looking for lightning-fast responsiveness. With a shorter travel distance, these switches provide a competitive advantage and are accompanied by vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch that enhances the auditory element of gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver differ in their housing materials and therefore have distinct sound profiles. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver uses a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and crisper sound. Its rigidity allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the Box Royal and the G Pro 3.0 Silver incorporate nylon housing. Consequently, they share similarities in their sound profiles. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness and ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This commonality in housing material ensures that both switches deliver a relatively dull and round sound when pressed.
While the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in the overall sound profile, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are present in different aspects of typing. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Alternatively, the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. This division of housing materials allows for a nuanced auditory experience depending on the position of the switch during typing.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box Royal's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate top housing brings a sharper and crisper tone. However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, leading to a relatively dull and round sound. The division of housing materials in a switch allows for a differentiated auditory experience between bottom-out and key release movements.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, there are significant differences to consider. The actuation force of both switches is the same at 45 grams, which means they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force varies between the two. The Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter switch to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. While the actuation forces are the same, the difference in bottom out force clearly distinguishes between the lighter G Pro 3.0 Silver and the heavier Box Royal options.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal. In general, a 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.0mm travel distance is shallower. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, you may opt for the Box Royal with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer the slightly deeper feel of the G Pro 3.0 Silver with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 switch offers a high-pitched profile. This means that it produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be pleasing for those who prefer a brighter sound. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch has a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during key presses. This adds a sense of depth and richness, similar to bass tones. Additionally, the Gateron switch is described as thocky, meaning it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors including the keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp and crisp tactile feedback. It has a prominent, strong tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each key press. This provides a highly tactile experience, ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Meanwhile, a creamy switch offers a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, but with different characteristics.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal switch provides an almost aggressive tactility, along with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch delivers a buttery and creamy typing experience, accompanied by a bassy and thocky sound. It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these two switches, as they cater to different tactile and auditory preferences. However, if you prefer a sharp tactility and higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal switch would be a suitable choice. If a smooth and effortless keystroke experience, combined with a bassy and thocky sound, is more appealing, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch would be a great option. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing or gaming experience, depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who appreciates a strong and aggressive tactile feedback, as well as a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a sharp and crisp tactile bump with every keypress, giving you a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast responsiveness and a budget-friendly option, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are perfect for you. With a shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting, these switches offer unmatched value and deliver an exceptional gaming experience. Additionally, if you prefer a smoother and buttery typing sensation, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches provide a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your specific preferences and requirements.
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