MonkeyKing Custom iGK61 60% keyboard review (Kailh BOX Royal)

Skip to 10:38 for a typing demonstration.
Today we finally have a look at Kailh v NovelKeys BOX Royal switches in my brand-new custom test-bed keyboard! :) Hope you enjoy!
My keyboard reviews: bit.ly/1TbOtft
My switch teardowns: bit.ly/2C1QGHz
My TOP X videos: bit.ly/2FmpZfd
I'm Thomas and I do videos and reviews on mechanical keyboards ranging from the most sickening modern RGB gaming keyboards to vintage hardware relics, or sometimes keycaps or keyswitches ranging from Cherry MX to Alps SKCM to IBM buckling springs and anything in between.
Follow me on Twitter for updates on my keyboard videos! / chyrosran22
The practice sentence was: "Hello my name is Thomas and I'm typing on iGK61 right now. These BOX Royals are definitely very interesting switches, if you like tactile switches you might very well enjoy them."

[@Zeldagamer9000]

Oh my god that sound of dropping the model F on the desk was glorious.

[@squadric7722]

there is no model f by glorious. :P

[@avrahm9029]

squadric thats the joke

[@_BangDroid_]

I sampled it :p

[@creepyjoe7287]

Avrahm zxcv i don’t know if you have realized it yet but that is not the joke

[@harrisonlichtenberg3162]

I can still hear it. It's ringing in my head.

[@alexaraldi6458]

2:46 does it ever get old? Because i laugh everytime he does that

[@Chyrosran22]

Alex Araldi I know, I just wanted to do it one more time before I returned it xD .

[@alexaraldi6458]

I feel you hahaha

[@tommilikeskeyboards9825]

Alex Araldi it's all fun and games until the table breaks

[@TommyFenstermacher5150]

"I mean, it's not exactly..." *THUNK!* --HHKB Review

[@Chyrosran22]

THERAZORKILLE haha yeah, and that was just an FKB4700! XD

[@d2cuadrados]

I wasn't looking at my phone when you dropped that keyboard. You almost gave me a heart attack

[@MrCharlieBros]

NovelKeys is (based on a recent Reddit thread at r/mechanicalkeyboards) already working with Kailh about the thick stem situation, that's why there havent been any BOX switches in stock for several weeks.

[@fairextl]

MrCharlieBros If so is the jade switch problem gonna be fixed?

[@MrCharlieBros]

Fairex Well, the post didn't mention anything about the Jades, only the stem problem, also, there's a theory that the Jade problem was from some defective batches and have been fixed already, but really I can't tell.

[@TommyFenstermacher5150]

The current method for fixing "Jade lag" as I call it, is to lube the slider where it contacts the clickbar. People who did this to their Jades are saying it eliminated the slow feeling.

[@fairextl]

THERAZORKILLE Yes, I am aware, but it would be better if the switches came fixed straight from the manufacturer.

[@fairextl]

MrCharlieBros I hope so. Shipping is $5 and would take a long time, so I wont be testing them anytime soon.

[@EvilTuki]

This is really an in depth review of switches, this is great man, keep it up!

[@M4TTYN]

everybody gangster till someone goes to a LAN pulls this out their bag 2:45

[@lucascarter8008]

Thank you so much for your videos I've finally done my own keyboard using box Jade (with the Navy's on stabilized keys) and the box Royal keyboard for use at night (and spring swapped the stabilized keys from some spare navys) It's absolutely perfect and I can't stop using them.

[@akkkarinn]

Loving the increased quality of editing, won't stop watching you (not in the creepy way :))

[@KoshkaNaLadoshke]

Ahh, I was waiting for the Box Navy and Box Royal sound test comparison)) But it's still yet another amazing review. Thank you so much)

[@delphicdescant]

Finally, another relaxing audio clip.

[@BeHappyTo]

*THUMP*

[@SurvivorNVL]

I figured out basically that it takes around 250 key presses, with consistently and rapidly, in order to turn a Box switch from tactile to a soft clicky(very tactile) switch. Just spent a few days doing that to each individual Box switch I had, and nearly all of them sound about like that A-key. Honestly, doing it was tedious, but I think I found my favorite clicky switch, and it was never even intended to be one! Still won't replace Kalih Pro Purples for me, though. The Tacilinear feeling that many describe is spot on and perfect.

[@childrolland]

Liked very much the review and the keyboard. Compact body + tactiliest switch (ever?) = awesome combination :)

[@TehChancellorr]

I didn't like my BOX Royals at first either but after using them for a while I really like them.

[@occultishnoir]

I have Box Royals and Box Navys in my ErgoDox... Using the keyboard is heaven. There is no soft mushy feel, and with how heavy my typing is, it's a godsend.

[@gabrieloperana2728]

AHHHH YES. THE WAIT IS OVER

[@jackjohnson3024]

From my testing, the clicking seems to be due to the design of the switch itself - That is, the stiffer contacts slamming the leaf against the back of the notch. The factory lube prevents this noise, but as the lube wears off the clicking comes through.

[@vibe6750]

Someone asked me what I was watching and I dont how to say I watch this without sounding like a nerd. Help me

[@shuo_tonny_tao1725]

You can say you are a keyboard enthusiast instead. LOL

[@vibe6750]

@@shuo_tonny_tao1725 thats still makes me spund like the geek than im

[@shuo_tonny_tao1725]

@@vibe6750 LOL, embrace your true self.

[@JackOfHarts96]

Embrace your nerdism my friend!

[@josefaguilar2955]

My wife walked in on me watching a full screen video of a person typing on a keyboard for 5 mins. Hard to explain that one! What a time to be alive

[@wreckervilla]

I really wish they could get the clicky switches to register and click right up at the top. I love the sound of the click bar with some super thick caps.

[@randommkeyz5029]

FinalCPU kailh speed pink

[@Camrographer]

You know what might making the typing sound test more useful is to drop a coin from a fixed height each time the demonstration is made (or something which is universally understood with a specific sound profile). This way, we can have a point of reference for the intensity of the sounds.

[@efstathioszavvos4878]

Just leaving this here for anyone interested in the switches and custom projects. I've put the box royals in an old WASD V2 TKL I had sitting in storage. Didn't want to go overboard in cost, so I went for the FILCO doubleshot SA (kinda) keycaps which imo are very good value for money. Initially it didn't sound very nice because the WASD case is just relatively thin plastic and, more importantly empty so it sounds hollow with heavy keys and switches. I glued 1.5mm thick steel plates on the top half of the inside of the rear panel, and 0.9mm thick plates on its lower part. I don't have a cutter or tools drill steel, so I went with 5x5cm and 2.5x2.5cm pre-cut plates enough to fill the base as best as possible. Then I covered the back of the PCB with two layers of electrical tape, filled the bottom with acrylic silicone (worked it a bit with some water and my hands first to spread a bit) and pressed the board in. I filled the gaps on the inside of the top cover also with acrylic. Managed to get it to 1.5 kg from around 1kg I believe it was on its own. Feels like a tank now and the sound is oldschool low pitch thuds which is exactly what I was going for with this project. If it's your thing may as well get some ideas from here. The switches are very tactile, which I like, but don't think that you can utilise this tactility easily so that you don't bottom them out as you can do with clicky switches. I've notices also what Chyros says about them turning clicky. The click is not quite a click and as you're writing fast you can't tell it really. I've noticed that the "click" occurs when the switch is actually returning to its default position.

[@ruskie8103]

I have been using the box royals for about a week now and the typing experience is amazing. The tactile bump wouldnt feel as harsh if there was a slight gap where the click begins instead of it being at the very top. For gaming they are far too stiff. Definitely going to hit them with some lube when i get the chance.

[@chubeviewer]

Harder to game with than box jades? because I love my jades for gaming especially csgo

[@walktroughman1952]

You gotta be getting a kick out of dropping the Kishsaver on the desk like that and hearing the *THUD* of pure steel.

[@johnsihn4520]

I think you'll enjoy a nice wood case on that board. Wood cases sound very clocky and warm, and makes your board feel and look more premium. An aluminum case might be a good idea too :)

[@VEN0M415]

I got the GMMK TKL and the kailh box whites with thicc pbt caps and it sounds (and feels) fantastic! the lighting effects are nice since you don't need software to change it so I guess that's why they cost a little more. soon I'll try out the navy and royal when they're available!

[@justinc8157]

Wow these seem amazing.

[@monsterzero9456]

been using my royals in a dz60 for a month and a half now and its very nice

[@theSolarisDragon]

I think the click occurs because of the lube running out on the push rod (which pushes the contact leaf in the box). I've tried re-lubing that and it fixes the click.

[@Animated__Freak]

How often do you have to re-lubericate them and how loud is the sound when they are not lubed?

[@acebulf]

@@Animated__Freak Not that loud, less than anything clicky, and about a couple month.

[@TommyFenstermacher5150]

As far as I can tell, most PBT or POM sets don't quite suffer from damage when sitting on BOX switches. I have a set of dyesub PBT Cherry profile caps on my BOX Navies and haven't seen any damage. In fact, they still sit tightly on a Realforce RGB board, which is what I took them off of. The caps that did come with my BOX Navy board, on the other hand, were cheap thin lasered ABS and an alarming number of them had stretch marks on them, likely from the time that they were in store on the shelf, as well as the time it took to ship to me. Of course, I will not be using any expensive SA, GMK, etc. sets on this board specifically because the problem seems to be worst on ABS caps, specifically GMK and any SA profile caps. Also about the switches becoming a bit clicky over time, it may be the lube wearing off, causing the little pusher on the box to begin hitting the slider more audibly.

[@xMoac]

I would recommend you review the Zealios v2 and the Holy pandas. Very much interested in how they compare to each other and to other tactile switches.

[@solsthiem3329]

Like he said and compared, the royals are much more tactile than zealios and seeing the price difference is jarring so I recommend you get royals if you really like a sharp tactile bump and don't mind being a bit loud and not being able to afford a zeal switch then definitely the royals are for you

[@KuryK]

@@solsthiem3329 I think that was the zealio v1s the v2s are close but I would say more tactile than the royals. The main difference I feel between the two is the zealios are a less scratchy but more round especially at the end.

[@Vortex1988]

@@KuryK I've tested the V2s and the royals, and I have to say I prefer the royals. The V2s are much more rounded and that tactility lasts a lot longer than the royals do. After testing them, I personally don't like the Zealio V2s. They're too tactile, and the tactility lasts way to long. I also don't like the round feel of the tactility. It feels like the switch is actively trying to prevent me from pressing it. The Royals feel a lot nicer imo. I'm also typing on a keyboard with box navies every day though.

[@RealSnarb]

I really like the idea of these switches, and I'd love them if the bump were further down, but the bump is so high up it's actually quite jarring to use them. I prefer Zealios for tactile switches, but will still always pick clicky switches given a choice. Hence my BOX Jades and Speed Bronze switches.

[@JackOfHarts96]

Personally I really like the tactile bump being near the start of the key travel on non clicky switches, hence why I really like the Royal Hakos.

[@shanroxalot5354]

Nyanpasu

[@Clavinohou]

@@shanroxalot5354 it's a shame tiktok had to ruin it

[@alexandermirdzveli3200]

I'd like to see your review of ZX80 keyboard!

[@ShoelessJP]

Thomas, you should really look into doing ASMR. Between your deep voice and the keyboards, I imagine you could make a fortune doing it... just as long as you put that money into new keyboards, heh.

[@SicSemperBeats]

facts

[@Chyrosran22]

Jonathan Patten tbh, I'm more interested in voice work than true ASMR. Although I might do more extended typing demos.

[@BeHappyTo]

@@Chyrosran22 Hell yea I want to hear my keyboard chan in games !

[@dumdum7786]

Is this the end of the amazing sounding dasher caps? :,(

[@5Hydroxytryptophan]

Is there a way to fit in Matias Switches? I'm really searching for an ALPS like board / kit with backlighting. I also can't find backlit ALPS key caps, which is a bummer.. As Matias is producing the switches with RGB in mind, they should do some key caps. Switching the stems to MX compatible could help.. not sure, if it's worth the hassle.

[@thechemtrailkid]

I think the big shortcoming for tactile MX style switches is something you mention: no noticeably tactile MX switch has any really pretravel. There are some that definitely feel tactile (Zealio v2, these NK Box Royals, some holy panda frankenswitches, and a few others) but they all have the bump right at the start. And since they were designed to have a noticeable tactile event, once you clear peak force, you blow past the rest of the travel. I don't think this is necessarily bad, I just wish there was more variety.

[@grilin18.]

It’s weird because for my preferences most of these switches have too much pretravel.

[@AnvilSP]

It should probably be noted that NovelKeys has already pulled BOX switches from the site, and is having Kailh retool the switches with tighter stem tolerances. When the new batch comes out, they won't damage keycaps anymore.

[@theSolarisDragon]

It wasn't specifically the tolerances that were the issue, the design size was too large.

[@AnvilSP]

theSolarisDragon Yes, he's worked with Kailh to make sure the stem wasn't as large.

[@IISlushoII]

It's important to note that they sound very different than at the end of this video before they lose their lube (or after you relube them).

[@mattcrowley8993]

The thud of the Model F does prove it is indeed heavier than it looks.

[@canonwright8397]

Wow! that Novelkey logo looks sweet. I wonder if they would consider making them in different colors

[@JTThumpington]

What kind of lead time is to be expected to the UK/NW Europe? I bought the same kit (all except switches, as I already have some BOX Jade switches to put in) and it's been about a month since the last tracking update, saying "handed over to airline for transport".

[@karellen00]

I didn't know that there was a problem with box switches's stem! Luckily enough it seems that my dev\tty (with box navy) are not affected (or maybe I can't see the stretch on gray), but I definitely notice that after 2-3 swaps they are softer to come out. I hope that PBT will be stronger than ABS, and thank you to have warned me before I put SA or GMK on!

[@karellen00]

Oh, I also remember having read somewhere that different plastic colours have different strengths because of the polymer of which they are made, and that the blue one is the softest of them. It may explain why you were so unlucky with your dasher keycaps...

[@Chyrosran22]

Interesting. That makes sense, yeah.

[@SicSemperBeats]

this would be wonderful if it supported a split backspace layout, I cant deal with that high ass backspace

[@dhoffnun]

Shame about the stems on those box switches - pretty much a deal breaker for me until they fix that. Loving everything else about them, though - I look forward to future revisions. What a cool kit board as well - thanks for making me aware of it.

[@silentianimus]

I feel like the voiceover is done by the Architect from The Matrix. Good Video!

[@RockeyDAproductions]

is there a modern equivalent to the orange alps? i love that switch but i only have them in ADB boards.

[@Chyrosran22]

RockeyDAproductions no, unfortunately.

[@tristan6509]

Is this a good spacebar key? I personally like light switches but hate light spacebars...

[@Ktuluuuu]

Revised Box switches coming out later this coming week!

[@LordTreyHowdy]

I own the GMMK board, two of them actually. They both came in bent and not sitting flat, I had to bend them to get them to stay flat, I think it's because they're aluminum and not packaged well. The bare bones base is only about $60, the full keyboard with switches and caps is a little over $100. I have the box navy switches in mine and the loud click causes a high pitched resonance from my board.

[@thumbwarriordx]

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on Box Royal vs. Box Navy. I'm seriously considering both of them to refit my old worn down Cherry MX board. Both seem very nice from what I can tell. But I could use a head-to-head rundown of all the new interesting switches.

[@dalilbaby4238]

I had no idea about the Kailh Box stems. Definitely gonna keep that in mind when buying keycaps.

[@TobiasWeg]

me to I ordered, some expensive SA caps, and know I have to thick about which swithches to use... I love the BOX jades and at the moment I use some cheap old cherry pbt keycaps on them... will see what to do.

[@JackOfHarts96]

They haven't damaged my DSA caps yet, the damage is less severe on PBT caps. The only way it'll really affect you is if you plan on using them on non BOX switches, they'll be looser on those. Personally I don't plan to though because most of my favourite modern MX type switches are BOX stem switches.

[@JackOfHarts96]

That's only if you have older ones though, they have been retooled recently to have standard size sliders

[@TobiasWeg]

@@JackOfHarts96 Thanks for the info. :)

[@JackOfHarts96]

@@TobiasWeg No problem :)

[@gorma453]

I would love to get my hands on such a test bed keyboard but in iso layout and with f-keys. Any suggestions?

[@Gotallofthem1]

Chyrosran, have you felt the Annepro2 case? How would you compare the standard plastic case on the GK61 to the annepro2 if you have had a chance to check that one out? Thanks

[@williamtael8379]

Is the sound of the typing that bassy or is the mic picking up desk vibration? You should try putting the keyboard over a pillow just in case.

[@Ferrichrome]

I'm glad to finally see you take a look at these! I only have one loose switch to test, but I definitely get what you are saying about the abrupt tactility these switches have. A unique character for sure. It's a little too high up on the key travel imo, I like how jades and navys feel like there's more "give" before the tactility comes in.

[@JackOfHarts96]

That's exactly what I like about them though (I don't have BOX Royals but I do have Royal Hakos). I'd like my Navies much more if the click occurred right at the top TBH. And I used to love the Navies before I got the Royal Hakos and really loved the tactility being at the top, that combined with the rounded tactility and the actuation point being in the tactile drop made them a very nice light typer. Each to their own though

[@MrCornelius30]

Hi Thomas, you have very informative videos. May I know what switches did you use to record the introduction of this video,please? they sound so nice,..

[@illis5174]

is iGK61 different from the Geek GK61? because the geek versions of gk61 is only hotswappable to optical switches.

[@erics9801]

I haven't had any keycap fitment issues with my BOX navies. Between my GMK set and imsto pbt set; the GMK set goes on and comes off quite easily, where the imsto set has a bit more snug to it and requires a little more effort to remove. Otherwise, no apparent complications.

[@pixxel17]

My first hotswap was a gmmk compact, just a few months later I'm typing on a tofu65 Down the rabbit hole I go...

[@LightTheMars]

Do you plan to test the Novelkeys x Kailh low-profile choc switches as well? I think the low-profile Kailhs are quite interesting.

[@Nostromo132]

2:46 I felt that through my headphones all the way here, in Romania. Christ!

[@hulk3077]

Please make a review of the ivory panda switches they are hyped to be the best linear switches with an MX design.

[@lottery248]

can you review Bloody B820R or something like optic mechanical keyboard?

[@tuppytheducky]

2 years later, using Box Royals in a GMMK UK ISO and I can no longer use linear keyboards as I’m so used to tactile

[@samfizzer3933]

I ordered a CK61 with Kailh Box whites but they've sent me a G K61 with LC purple/blue switches, have you ever heard of this exotic switch before? They are really smooth feeling actually but not very tactile at all, they feel more like a linear switch with a click. I'm sending back and have ordered from another seller a board with the box whites (the CK61) But yeah, have you ever heard of LC switches? I can't find any info on them anywhere..

[@purplepothos5794]

Now try and get your hands on some elusive Holy Pandas, the ultimate tactile meme switch!

[@nadiaholmquist]

Would this be a good switch for me if I primarily type on buckling springs? I'm considering maybe building a keyboard for work and I want some switches that are as tactile but aren't ridiculously loud.

[@Chyrosran22]

Nadia Pedersen these don't feel like BS at all, they're much more extreme to the point of being over the top.

[@vladislavbelikov9975]

Jesus the impact noise

[@afiefsholichuddin]

Can you review hako switch? I heard their tactility are "something"

[@JohnSmith-wf6fp]

What switch did you get gateron or lc and which is tactile

[@toastedphantom3007]

Could you take a look at the new LK Libra switches from Bloody? I couldn't find a whole lot of reviews about them specifically, but what I found was very positive in terms of feel. Also Razer seems to have ripped them off and dyed them purple.

[@mastercng]

Any other recommendations for tactile switches with a heavy actuation?

[@TerabitTech]

Very useful information. I've just bought a Keychron K8 with hot-swappable Gateron Browns. It hasn't arrived, yet, but I'm already looking forward to try out more particular switches. I think I'm a fun of tactile feel, and I've very recently tried out a Varmilo 88-keys with Cherry MX Clear, which I've liked a lot. That's why I'm looking for heavy, tactile switches. I'm not sure I'd like Clicky ones on the long term, due to the high-pitched noise, so I think I'm sticking with Tactile switches. That said, being a pianist I believe I'd prefer switches one the heavier and more tactile side. Having heard you talk about the heavily-tactile feel of these switches made me quite interested in BOX Royale. I'd like to know how they compare to other heavy Tactile switches in terms of both tactile feel and sound volume/signature... Now I'm evalueting Cherry MX Clear, Cherry MX Grey, Kailih BOX Heavy Burnt Orange, Kailih BOX Royale, Kailih Speed Burnt Orange and Zealios v2 67g

[@naota3k]

I wonder how something like a Box Jade or Royal would feel/sound with a small rubber dampener at the point where the click bar strikes the housing.

[@ziting5756]

That's actually a pretty interesting idea. Though I suspect a click is also made when you initally press the switch down and go past the clickbar.

[@WaidoGodX]

can you turn of the mic for the rbg?

[@StariusPrime]

I have 4 bags of various box switches that I'm now a bit afraid to use because of this stem issue. But I thought I heard that only GMK type keycaps were having problems on them. Is this true? Are SA keycaps safe on the box switches?

[@Chyrosran22]

Evidently not, as my own SA caps are showing pretty heavy damage. My pre-GMK Cherry caps seem unaffected, though.

[@StariusPrime]

Chyrosran22 That's very disappointing. I wonder if replacement stems will be made available to retrofit existing box switches. I wouldn't look forward to modifying all those switches, but it's better than the alternative.

[@ThatBum42]

Some of my BOX Browns are turning clicky too, and there's some minor stretching on my doubleshot ABS "pudding" keycaps. But they feel good so I can't really complain ^^

[@bryo4321]

I suggest looking at the new mute jades. They seem like a potential replacement for box royals, similarly muted sound but using clickbar tactility instead of the notch.

[@JordanCS13]

You should definitely try the Hako Royals...just as tactile as the stock royals, but without a lot of the negatives.

[@JackOfHarts96]

Nah, they're less tactile but I like them more as the bump is right at the top, and I especially love the Cherry MX Clear-esque soft bottom out

[@DREAD0]

How much did the keyboard cost all together?

[@Figureight]

If you get a bit of rubber and put it in the gap of the contact leaf part in a Box Brown, they feel pretty much identical in tactility to a box royal. Also I posted a video on my other account showing my EPBT caps flying off my Cherry 1800 with mx blacks, showing how they had stretched, but turns out the mx blacks were oddly thin on the cross section as my board of mx browns, board of gat red and gat yellows are fine. So box has definitely stretched some sets but 9 times out of 10 seem to fit comfortably without issue.

[@jackg5985]

hey figureight see u on so many videos saw u on adam c videos aswell

[@CommodoreFan64]

I love 10keyless boards, but I'm no fan of 60% Poker style boards, as I feel they are too small for regular use, but nonetheless great video as always.

[@TobiasWeg]

I would love to see, a popper review of the BOX jades. Or did I missed it? I think they are the most underrated clicky switches from Novelkeys. I am using them for some weeks know and I am loving them.;)

[@Chyrosran22]

They are identical to BOX Navy switches, which I've already reviewed, except for a lighter spring. I might review them separately one day, but it's pretty low-priority atm.

[@Camrographer]

With regards to the digitality, I think it takes away from the transition throughout the stroke. I think that we need a sensory experience to ramp up (psychologically speaking) when we initiate the application of pressure onto something. But when our starting point is of a static force and then ramps downward it generates a sensation of collapsing rather than impeding the stroke. Perhaps this will serve as an analog. I could drive through a speed-bump experiencing the full shape of the oscillation or I could begin at the peak of the bump then roll off. The former complete travel creates a sense of contiguity which I think is sensorily valuable. Without it there's a sense of dissonance. I wonder if this tactile feedback can be modified or if it is inherent to the design.

[@hostsofmichael]

Agreed. But then again I do love Plum switches too

[@Karrq]

How does it compare to the Zealios V2 ?

[@XD2LLoNX]

i have a question, Will GK64 hot swap work with kailhs? After seeing your review on the whites, i have to have them! :)

[@JackOfHarts96]

It'll work with any MX type switch

[@dog_snax2098]

I need some expert help! I'm looking for a modern mechanical keyboard that feels like rubber dome or a recommendation for a very good rubber dome board with a nice hard bump. The key should have it's tactile bump right at the start or very close to it like rubber domes do also the key travel should be 2.5 - 3mm long with 55g or more force to press. Is there such a mechanical keyboard? Or maybe there is a way to modify one so it feels like described? Here are the few I tried already: Romer-G, MX blue with o rings, MX brown with o rings, Razer mecha membrane. The closest so far was the Romer-G switch but the bump is waaaay to light and it needs only 45g. Btw Topre is out of my price range i'm willing to spend up to 100€

[@Chyrosran22]

Denis Müller try a BTC.

[@nahrizulashraf]

I have this keyboard. May I know is it possible to hotswap with cherry mx red switches?

[@tacho8313]

Yeah if u have the non optical ones. Sorry that I'm 10 months late

[@det.bullock4461]

The Kailh Box brown v2 seem potentially to have the same issue, I had one on my kailh switch tester and it's basically an onorary clicky switch.

[@Just_Add_Coffee]

I guess I've been lucky. I've built keyboards with Box Navy and with Box Jade switches and haven't had any issues with damaged keycaps.

[@TobiasWeg]

I don't have issues on old PBT caps from the 90s with BOX jades, but I have issues with my keytester caps, which are just falling off. so kind of lucky that it was such non expensive caps...

[@gaiustrollius9920]

Seems like an interesting type of switch, though I feel like box navies are more tactile. Still, it's another switch I'd like to try some day. The chassis is also interesting, but I wish they offered at least a tenkey-less version of it. 60% is too small for my taste.

[@Chyrosran22]

Gaius Trollius but 60% is more hip because it's even more useless :p .

[@JackOfHarts96]

Get a TKL GMMK then :P

[@Caffeine.And.Carvings]

just ordere a Switch Tester of 12 tactile cherry mx versions. Cherry gateron kailh zealios and outemu. Also hako royals. I can confirm what you said, compared to the box royals the others just felt linear. Even 78g zealios. Also can confirm that after playing a lot with the tester the box royal already turned clicky, which I dont like. Also the tactile bump is to sharp. Its like pressure pressure pressure with no give, sudden release and then nothing. Then there are hako royals that feel the same but stick to the bottom it seems. In general I think this box royal design is not really durable and prone to early failures and defects, well box designs in general. Personally I think I will go for outemu sky with 78g spring, clear tops and a slightly retooled ice bottom for my first keeb. The tatility feels just a tiny amount better than the zealios.

[@greyareaRK1]

Do you prefer the Box Jade?

[@Animated__Freak]

I'm really considering getting these based off of your previous statement that cherry switches have a weak tactile and I want something quiet. I've only used razer green switches and they are pretty weak in the tactile area. But I'm also worried these will be to tactile for me as I've never really used a proper tactile switch.

[@acebulf]

You can order a pack of 10 for 5 dollars

[@raulsaavedra709]

Thomas, from your graphs at 5:30, and for high levels of tactility and clickiness desired (e.g. Model M), would you still recommend the Jades over the Navys? Would you agree the Navy's are probably closer to the Model M switches, actuation-force-wise? Would you even compare them in that sense? PS. At 9:30, besides the keys we can hear what seems to be a clock ticking in the background: good microphone, or otherwise pretty loud clock ;)

[@Chyrosran22]

I'd say Navies are nowhere near a Model M, they are SO much stiffer. I suspect even Jades will feel stiffer (I don't have a full board with them atm). Also, it's both a good mic and a loud clock xD .

[@raulsaavedra709]

@@Chyrosran22 Thanks a lot! Ok will try a sample of the Navys first just in case. This other video of yours with the charts suggests the peak actuation force for both would be very similar though, both somewhere around 75 gr: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnnMgGZ9lL-JZq8 ( Sorry about my maybe confusing the Model M and F, in any case I meant buckling springs, as in here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGqvlH-dmKigq9U )

[@raulsaavedra709]

@@Chyrosran22 Hmmm just checking their own spec sheet from NovelKeys, is seems to confirm your assessment about Box Navies being a lot stiffer than Model M's. The force curve there goes pretty much up to 90 gf, and they do list Tactile Force as 95 gf +/- 15 gf ! cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/3099/8088/files/BOX_Navy.pdf?5816470357010718290 That is indeed quite a higher range than what the graph in your video shows, where it appears to be just up to about 75. If anything, the Jades would seem to be somewhat closer to the Model M's, with Tactile Force of 75 +/- 15 gf according to their specsheet (while Pale Blues have 70 +/- 10, and Whites have 55 +/- 10): cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/3099/8088/files/BOX_Jade.pdf?5816470357010718290

[@castin5244]

These look like they feel familiar but I can't quite place it. If that makes any sense at all.

[@fenixlolnope361]

why can't someone just make something similar to old tactile alps in a cherry MX shell?

[@Chyrosran22]

They did! A Cherry MX switch with an Alps-style wide click leaf inside. Old and quite rare, but very interesting. I REALLY wish someone would just make a 1:1 exact copy of SKCL/SKCM, they'd be fantastic :D .

[@fenixlolnope361]

Same, but the MX Shell would be pretty cool for that too xD I can't get very cheap keycaps for Alps mount yanno >.

[@tristan6509]

@@fenixlolnope361 you can but alps to cherry keycap stem adaptors

[@JackOfHarts96]

@@tristan6509 They don't really work too well for clicky switches though.

[@trashmann1081]

@@JackOfHarts96 yeah they rattle like hell

[@americasass3674]

do you have a discord server we can join so we can communicate with you? I am recently getting into custom keyboard builds and was hoping you could help those of us trying to get into the hobby

[@lefuzz251]

Where do I buy this keyboard?

[@gearedloop3195]

i finally found the clicky switch i need

[@avih]

Guys im a newbie. Can you help a kid out by recommending a cheap (as far as they go lol) SA keycap set to try out? Also, In case I wont like them - can you recommend a cheap doubleshot pbt set? (I understood after some research that they are the most durable. Backlited maybe?)