Gateron Beer vs. Kailh Box Navy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Kailh Box Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and Kailh Box Navy offer unique and distinct experiences. The Gateron Beer switch, with its sparkling translucent green appearance, offers a light and subtle tactile feel with a characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a heavy typing experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, with a sharp and invigorating clicky sound. Each switch has its own strengths - the Beer is easy-to-press and stepped, while the Box Navy is resonant, crunchy, and stiff. 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
38g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Kailh Box Navy both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, making it a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts. However, the bottom housing of the Beer also features polycarbonate, while the Box Navy utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, the Gateron Beer and Kailh Box Navy diverge when it comes to their bottom housings. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp, higher-pitched sound profile associated with this material, while potentially enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Box Navy's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a different typing feel compared to the Beer. The split between housing materials in the two switches highlights how different choices can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and Kailh Box Navy play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that deliver a distinct sound profile, the choice of bottom housing sets them apart. The Gateron Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains consistency in its sharp sound, while the Kailh Box Navy's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing feel and sound signature that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, it is evident that there is a notable difference in weight between the two. The Gateron Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer push feel. The lighter actuation force of the Gateron Beer is suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier forces of the Kailh Box Navy cater to individuals seeking a more pronounced keystroke sensation. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and pressure required.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Box Navy switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer switch. Both switches fall within the range of most modern mechanical keyboards, which typically have a travel distance between 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Beer switch, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Box Navy switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a characteristic clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch produces a resonant sound profile with a higher-pitched tone, along with a crunchy feel reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Beer switch leaning towards a clacky sound, while the Navy switch provides a resonant and crunchy tone.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the Beer switch features a stepped tactility that provides a more subtle and gradual tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch delivers a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, providing a snappy and reactive typing experience. The Navy switch is also described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, while the Navy switch offers a resonant sound with sharp tactile feedback and a stiff typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch will depend on individual preferences for sound, typing feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a unique stepped tactility and a distinct clacky sound profile, the Gateron Beer switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a resounding clicky sound and a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh Box Navy switch is definitely worth considering. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences. Whether you're drawn to the effervescent experience of the Beer or the vintage feel of the Box Navy, both switches offer their own unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. Choose wisely to find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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