Kailh Box Black vs Kailh Box Red
The Kailh Box Black and the Kailh Box Red are often cross-shopped. The main differences: the Kailh Box Red is lighter to actuate (45g versus 60g); stock they sound different: firm, muted versus clean, subdued.
Choose the Kailh Box Black if
- you want a switch popular for heavy linears.
- you want a switch popular for durability.
- you want a heavier, more deliberate press (60g).
Choose the Kailh Box Red if
- you want a switch popular for gaming.
- you want a switch popular for humid climates.
- you want a lighter keystroke (45g).
Kailh Box Black vs Kailh Box Red, spec by spec
| Kailh Box Black | Kailh Box Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Compatibility | Standard MX sockets | Standard MX sockets |
| Actuation force | 60g | 45g |
| Bottom-out force | n/a | n/a |
| Pre-travel | 1.8 mm | 1.8 mm |
| Total travel | 3.6 mm | 3.6 mm |
| Stem | POM | POM |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | nylon | nylon |
| Spring | single-stage | single-stage |
| Factory lube | none | none |
| Pins | 3-pin | 3-pin |
| Price / switch | $0.30 | $0.30 |
| Sound profile | firm, muted | clean, subdued |
| Released | 2017 | 2017 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 227 switches we track
82% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Kailh Box Black; 22% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Kailh Box Red.
34% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Kailh Box Black; 34% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Kailh Box Red.
24% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the Kailh Box Black; 24% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the Kailh Box Red.
Where to buy the Kailh Box Black
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
Where to buy the Kailh Box Red
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
KeebScout is reader-supported: some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes specs or rankings.
Want more options? Browse every linear switch we track, or the full switch database.