Kailh Box Navy vs. Jerrzi Coral
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Jerrzi Coral switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Kailh Box Navy and the Jerrzi Coral. The Box Navy offers a heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound signature and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Coral switch provides a distinctively crisp typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance, striking a balance between sophistication and performance. If you prefer a heavier, more tactile typing experience, the Box Navy may be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you value a smoother, quieter typing feel with a touch of elegance, the Coral switch could be the perfect fit. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Jerrzi Coral switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the design. With similar top housing materials, users can expect comparable sound profiles and visual effects when using either switch.
On the other hand, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite the difference in the top housing material, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing sound and feel between the Kailh Box Navy and the Jerrzi Coral switches.
The division of housing materials in a switch can influence the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. By combining polycarbonate top housing with nylon bottom housing, both the Kailh Box Navy and the Jerrzi Coral switches offer a balanced and diverse sound profile that caters to different preferences. Whether one prefers a sharper and crisper sound profile from the polycarbonate top housing or a deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing, both switches deliver a unique typing experience that appeals to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a significantly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jerrzi Coral linear switch. The Box Navy requires 60 grams of force to actuate a key press and 90 grams to bottom out, making it a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Coral only needs 40 grams to actuate a key press, and the bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Coral switch for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. However, for users who prefer a more substantial push feel, the heavier force of the Box Navy may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Despite both the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch having relatively similar travel distances of 3.6 mm and 3.7 mm respectively, there is a slight difference between the two. The Box Navy has a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who seek faster response times. On the other hand, the Coral switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial and tactile feel when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the shorter option offering quicker responses and the longer option providing a more satisfying key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, producing a higher-pitched sound profile akin to vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch boasts a low-pitched resonance, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to clicky switches. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, giving users the opportunity to choose based on their auditory preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, providing a strong tactile bump with each keypress and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate. In contrast, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a silky typing experience, characterized by exceptionally smooth keypresses and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The differences in tactile feedback and actuation force between the two switches cater to individuals seeking either a more intense and tactile typing experience or a smoother and more effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that appeal to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Box Navy excels in providing a resonant and crunchy sound profile combined with sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, ideal for those who enjoy a heavy and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Coral switch stands out for its low-pitched resonance and silky typing feel, offering a more refined and smooth keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference, with users being able to achieve satisfying results with either option based on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and strong tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and subtle typing feel with a lower-pitched sound profile, the Coral switches are a perfect choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and sound preference. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and experience level.
Mentioned in this article
