Kailh Box Royal vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Royal and Outemu Cold Plum are two popular options that offer unique features and benefits. The Box Royal is renowned for its extreme tactility, providing a sharp and binary feedback that is perfect for those who prefer a more aggressive typing experience. With a higher-pitched sound profile, these switches offer a tactile sensation that stands out from the crowd. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches are known for their thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke thanks to their fully nylon construction. These switches provide a distinct and enjoyable typing feel that is ideal for enthusiasts looking for a unique experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Cold Plum switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon as a plastic material allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both switches.
Despite the shared nylon housing material, there may still be differences in the typing experience between the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Cold Plum switches. The qualities brought by the housing material are split between the top and bottom housings of a switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities may result in subtle variations in typing feedback and sound profile between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Outemu Cold Plum switches may come down to personal preference and specific typing requirements. While both switches offer a similar sound profile and tactile feel due to their shared nylon housing material, subtle differences in the division of housing qualities may create distinctions in typing feedback. Users looking for specific nuances in sound and feel may prefer one switch over the other based on these variations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it's evident that the Box Royal is the lighter of the two. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to fully depress the key, the Box Royal requires less force to initially actuate the key. This difference in actuation force can result in a lighter typing experience for the Box Royal, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Cold Plum offers a stronger push feel due to its higher actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier touch. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and key response.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Cold Plum the shorter of the two options. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may feel more substantial to some users. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their design, with the Cold Plum being linear and the Box Royal being tactile. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and switch type.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10.
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
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by its sharp and aggressive tactility, high-pitched sound profile, and binary tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a smooth keystroke, thocky sound profile, and fully nylon construction for a unique typing experience. While the Box Royal excels in providing a strong and crisp tactile bump, the Cold Plum focuses on delivering a satisfying sound and typing feel. Depending on personal preferences, individuals may prefer the intense tactility of the Box Royal or the distinctive sound profile of the Cold Plum. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to individual typing preferences and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a sharp and aggressive tactility, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. The high-pitched sound profile and sharp tactile bump make typing on these switches a truly unique experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a thocky sound profile, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch would be more suitable for you. The satisfying sound and smooth feel of these switches make them a great option for those who enjoy a distinct typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for tactility and sound profile.
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