Kailh Box Royal vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offer unique tactile experiences. The Box Royal is best known for its almost aggressive tactility, providing a sharp and binary feedback for those who crave an intense typing experience. Additionally, these switches have a relatively higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a very sharp tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a pronounced and satisfying typing feel. While the Blueberry switches produce a lower-than-average sound frequency, giving a deeper and textured sound, it is not as "thocky" as some other switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry employs a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound. While also on the deeper side, the POM housing produces a relatively more muted sound compared to nylon.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry further showcase the differences in housing materials. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This consistent use of nylon contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the Blueberry features a POM bottom housing. Like its top housing, this material produces an incredibly pleasing sound, but with a slightly more muted quality. The bottom housing has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Considering the impact of the housing materials, it is evident that while they differ between the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches, they both contribute to the overall sound profile. The nylon housing of the Box Royal creates a deeper and fuller sound throughout, while the POM housing of the Blueberry offers a unique and pleasing sound with a muted undertone. Despite the differences in the materials used, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences with their respective sound characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the individual's preference for a more rounded, deeper sound (Box Royal) or a slightly muted, pleasing sound (NovelKeys Blueberry).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Blueberry requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Royal has a force of 70 grams, whereas the Blueberry has a higher bottom out force of 80 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box Royal would be the ideal choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions, making it suitable for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who prefer a more substantial and pronounced typing feedback may opt for the Blueberry switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. The increased force required gives a more tactile and satisfying push feel during typing.
Overall, the Box Royal provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a balance between actuation and bottom out forces, while the Blueberry offers a heavier and more impactful typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, we can see that the Box Royal has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Blueberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, offering a quicker response time that is favored by gamers looking for fast reaction speeds. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch provides a deeper and more satisfying keypress due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference - those seeking responsiveness may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the longer travel distance of the Blueberry.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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
The Kailh Box Royal switch is best known for its sharp, binary tactility, providing a nearly aggressive tactile experience. This switch produces a relatively higher pitched sound when pressed, giving it a sharp and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch also boasts a sharp tactile bump, making it suitable for those who enjoy a sharp typing feel. However, the sound profile of the Blueberry switch is described as lower-than-average frequency, a little deeper but not "thocky."
In terms of sound, the Box Royal switch has a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This is ideal for those who prefer a more high-pitched and crisp sound rather than a rich and bass-heavy sound. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch has a low-pitched profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Blueberry switch is described as resonant, providing a clean and sharp sound profile, contributing to an immersive auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal switch is characterized by its sharp and intense tactile feedback. Its strong and crisp tactile bump is prominent, allowing users to feel each keypress distinctly. Meanwhile, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. It also provides a buttery and textured keystroke, implying a smooth and fluid typing sensation. Moreover, the Blueberry switch is regarded as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics. The Box Royal offers a high-pitched sound profile with sharp and binary tactility, ideal for those seeking an aggressive tactile experience. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch provides a lower-pitched sound profile with a sharp tactile bump, suitable for those who enjoy a sharp typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a higher-pitched and sharp sound with a strong tactile feedback, the Box Royal would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a lower-pitched sound with a sharp tactile bump and a responsive feel, the Blueberry switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with an aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal would be an excellent choice for you. These switches have a sharp, binary tactility that is distinct with each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry would be a great fit. These switches provide a snappy typing experience and a clean, resonant sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize an aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound (Box Royal) or a sharp tactile bump with a lower-frequency sound (NovelKeys Blueberry). Consider your personal preferences and typing style to choose the switch that will provide you with the most enjoyable typing experience.
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