| Switch Type: | Linear |
| Mount Type: | Plate Mount |
| Travel Distance: | 1.8mm Actuation | 3.6mm Total |
| Force: | 45g Operating |
| Price: | ~£4.80 (10 pieces) |
The Kailh BOX Red is a light linear switch in the BOX line-up. It is a revised version of the original Kailh Red switch.
Smoothness: 7/10
On-centre keypresses are decently smooth for the most part with only minor inconsistencies between the switches.
Off-centre keypresses are just as inconsistent as on-centre keypresses, but are noticeably scratchier especially when pressed slowly.
Overall, they are a massive improvement over the original Kailh Reds. Although, these switches still aren’t the absolute best in the market.
Kailh BOX Red switch disassembled.
Weighting: 5/10
According to the manufacturer, these switches have an actuation force of 45g at 1.8mm and a total travel of 3.6mm. So, nothing out of the ordinary here.
In terms of the actual key feel, they are light across an entire press. Too light for my taste. I would say they are equivalent to most Cherry MX Red clones or even the Cherry MX Red itself. However, unlike the original Kailh Red this newer BOX switch feels more consistent across the range, weighting wise.
Overall, if you’re into light switches such the Cherry MX Red or its many clones, this would be a solid choice. It isn’t for me though. I want and prefer something heavier.
Sound: 6/10
I would describe the sound as quite thin and on the clacky side for sure. Then again, these switches probably weren’t made to sound great in the first place.
Moreover, the switch installed in my “X” key has a noticeable spring crunching noise when pressed off-centre. Other switches have it too, but they aren’t as noticeable.
Overall, these switches sound decent. However, if you’re looking for a fuller sounding switch, skip these.
Typing Performance: 5/10
In two words, these switches are: Too light.
I bottom out almost all the time which in itself isn’t too bad, but it doesn’t lead to a comfortable typing experience.
Additionally, the switch installed in my backspace key tends to bind just enough to sometimes be a nuisance when pressed off-centre.
However, I will say that the rest of the typing experience is at least consistent. Much more so compared to the original Kailh Red switch.
Overall, if you’re a fan of lighter switches and are on a tight budget, these may fit the bill. For the rest of us, keep looking out there.
Gaming Performance: 7/10
I made a lot of silly mistakes in all types of games with these switches, more so in faster paced games where I believe that you have to be one with the keyboard to really perform at your best. With these switches though? That was going to be a tough ask.
Its weighting certainly didn’t do me any favours. In fact, it induced errors in my gameplay which led to a lot of frustration (and I really mean that). This was especially true during the first few days of testing.
However, the switch was at least consistently weighted which is key for any switch you’re trying to get used to. And this consistency was its ultimate saving grace. Without it, I’m sure I would be a lot more frustrated with them (just read my original Kailh Red review). I’m glad to have tried out this improved version; they shine best when put under pressure.
Overall, gaming with these wasn’t too bad given the light weighting. Though, its consistency was the real winner here. I can see this as someone’s daily switch for gaming if they also enjoyed the weighting.
Final Score = 30/50 (60%)
Places to purchase this switch:
AliExpress | Kailhswitch | Amazon