Kailh Box Navy vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Cheese offer distinct typing experiences for different preferences. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound signature and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. In contrast, the HMX Cheese provides a smooth and pristine typing experience with a light actuation force and satisfying clacky sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and HMX Cheese switches both feature nylon top housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate top housings. The use of nylon in the top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clear translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches have nylon bottom housings, the impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel of typing is more pronounced, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile in both cases.
Despite having different top and bottom housing materials, the Box Navy and HMX Cheese switches share similar characteristics in terms of the sound profile they produce. The use of nylon in the top housing of both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the bottom housing, also made of nylon in both cases, contributes to the overall sound profile. The differences in sound between the two switches can be attributed to the stiffness of the polycarbonate top housing in the Box Navy, creating a sharper and more resonant sound compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the HMX Cheese.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the Kailh Box Navy and HMX Cheese switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, the unique characteristics of polycarbonate in the Box Navy's top housing lead to a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly suitable for RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX Cheese's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, contributing to a different typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch results in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, it becomes evident that the Box Navy is heavier overall. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cheese switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a more gentle option. The difference in weight between the two switches offers varying experiences for users. While some may prefer the lighter Cheese switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, others might lean towards the heavier Box Navy switch for a more robust and deliberate typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular in keyboards today. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time offered by the shorter travel distance of the Cheese switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Navy switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a quick and responsive feel or a more deliberate and pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience. The high-pitched sound profile and sharp feedback of the Box Navy switches provide an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of vintage keyboards. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its smooth and crisp sound signature. The Cheese switches produce a satisfying clacky and poppy sound, making them stand out in terms of sound quality. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Box Navy clicky switch provides a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. The pronounced tactile bump and firm actuation force make each keypress distinct and reactive, creating a satisfying typing sensation. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Cheese linear switch is unknown. However, based on the description of being ultra-light and smooth, it can be inferred that the Cheese switches offer a different typing experience compared to the Box Navy switches, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch when typing.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy switches are best suited for those who enjoy a heavy, tactile typing experience with a clicky sound profile, while the HMX Cheese switches cater to individuals looking for a smoother, lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel and sound. It's important to consider factors such as comfort, typing speed, and overall typing experience when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a loud, tactile click, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, smoother typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the HMX Cheese switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose based on what aligns best with your preferences.
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