TTC Bluish White vs. Kailh Box Navy
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Kailh Box Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch and are looking for a tactile experience, the TTC Bluish White switches might be just what you're looking for. These switches are known for providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, with a snappy sound profile that adds to the overall enjoyment. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched', these switches offer a smooth and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch and crave a heavier typing experience, the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit. These switches not only provide a vintage feel reminiscent of the buckling keyboards of the 80s but also offer a distinctive sound signature and tactility. Categorized as 'Sharp', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', 'Crunchy', and 'Stiff', these switches add a satisfyingly clicky feel to each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and the Kailh Box Navy share some similarities when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it suitable for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Bluish White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Box Navy also employs nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches that implement nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. As a result, the bottom housing of these switches plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed.
It is important to note that for switches with different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will give more prominence to the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Understanding these nuances can help users determine the specific qualities and experiences they desire when choosing between the TTC Bluish White and the Kailh Box Navy switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, it is evident that there are notable differences. The TTC Bluish White has a relatively lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Kailh Box Navy switch requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and has a substantial bottom out force of 90 grams.
These variations in force have implications for users with different preferences. Those who favor a lighter actuation force, such as typists or gamers seeking longer periods of comfortable typing, might find the TTC Bluish White switch to be more suitable for their needs. The relatively lower force required to trigger a keystroke allows for effortless and swift typing actions, reducing strain and fatigue during extended usage.
On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a more robust and substantial typing experience may lean towards the Kailh Box Navy switch. With its heavier actuation force of 60 grams and significant bottom out force of 90 grams, users can expect a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfyingly solid keypress. This option is ideal for those who appreciate a stronger push feel and desire an enhanced sense of feedback and control.
In the event that a user is looking for similar results in terms of force, both the TTC Bluish White and the Kailh Box Navy provide options. While the Bluish White offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force overall, individuals who prefer a heavier actuation can still achieve comparable results with the Box Navy switch. By exerting a slightly more forceful keystroke, users can experience a similar level of tactile feedback and bottoming out sensation.
In conclusion, the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch differ significantly. The choice between these switches ultimately relies on individual preference, with the lighter Bluish White catering to those seeking a lighter and more effortless typing experience, while the heavier Box Navy appeals to users desiring a more substantial and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, we can see that the Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Box Navy has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Gamers, in particular, prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. If you value a highly responsive typing experience, the TTC Bluish White with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, and may prefer a switch with a bit more depth. In this case, the Kailh Box Navy, with its slightly longer travel distance, would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is best described as low-pitched, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant sound profile, featuring a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp tone. Additionally, the Box Navy switch has a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bluish White tactile switch provides a buttery and smooth keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It is also described as mild, falling into a safe middle-ground zone, suitable for most users. The Bluish White switch can be considered a stepped switch, providing a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it is subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. The switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and a smooth key travel experience.
On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp tactile feel with a strong and crisp tactile bump. It provides high feedback intensity, allowing the user to distinctly feel the tactile bump with every keypress. The Box Navy switch is invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. However, it is worth noting that the Box Navy switch is stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, a buttery and subtle feel with a polished finish. On the other hand, the Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, a sharp and invigorating feel with a stiff actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with the Bluish White switch providing a more refined and mild typing experience, while the Box Navy switch offers a more intense and heavy typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a lightweight typing experience with a satisfyingly poppy tactile feedback and a low-pitched sound profile, the TTC Bluish White switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation. They are suitable for shared spaces due to their non-resonant sound signature.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy typing experience with a vintage buckling keyboard sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit. With a bottom-out force of 90 grams, these switches offer a sharp, invigorating, and pronounced tactile feedback. They create a snappy and reactive feel with each keypress, creating an immersive typing sensation. However, please note that these switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as the desired weight of the keys, the sound profile you are looking for, and the level of tactile feedback you prefer. By understanding the characteristics and features of the TTC Bluish White and Kailh Box Navy switches, you can make an informed choice that suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
