Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound, then the Box Navy switches are an excellent choice for you. These switches have a distinct sound signature and tactility that reminds us of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a more linear typing experience with a unique clacky sound, the Cream Yellow switch might be the perfect fit for you. With its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, this switch offers resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring provides a bouncy typing feel that sets it apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your preference.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Cream Yellow switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature translucent top housings, making them ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches provides similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the switches differ in their choice of material. The Box Navy incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Cream Yellow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. The nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, when pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in determining the overall sound and feel. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite having different bottom housings, the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Cream Yellow switches will still offer similar results in terms of the overall sound profiles and feel experienced during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Box Navy is the heavier option. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams, while the Cream Yellow requires 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Cream Yellow is lighter in terms of actuation force. When it comes to bottoming out, the Box Navy requires 90 grams of force, while the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams. Therefore, in terms of bottom out force as well, the Box Navy switch is heavier.
Considering weight is important as it can greatly influence typing comfort and duration. Those who prefer a lighter switch would find the Cream Yellow more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Navy offers a stronger push feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch. Overall, the preference between the two switches would depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating that they are designed for a more responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority for you, the Cream Yellow switch would be a suitable choice with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper keypress, the Box Navy switch with its 3.6 mm travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Cream Yellow offering a slightly shorter travel distance and the Box Navy providing a touch more depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile. When typing on the Box Navy, you can expect a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. It offers an immersive auditory experience with each keypress, sounding like stepping on a pile of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a distinctively clacky typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, giving users a variety of options depending on their preferences.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is characterized by its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. It has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress, offering a high feedback intensity. The switch provides a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, it requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, making it feel stiff. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is described as bouncy. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The Cream Yellow switch offers a unique typing experience with its bounciness, allowing for a smooth and responsive keystroke.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile, along with a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch delivers a clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel. Both switches offer unique experiences and can cater to different preferences. It's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch may also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you're looking for similar results to the Box Navy's sound or the Cream Yellow's feel, it's advisable to consider switches with similar characteristics, such as other clicky switches for sound or other linear switches for feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound signature hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. When typing on Box Navy switches, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the Box Navy switches will provide a sharp and invigorating typing feel, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium typing experience and enjoy a clacky sound, then the KTT Cream Yellow linear switches are a great choice for you. Designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound, the Cream Yellow switches provide a sharp, bright, and percussive audio feedback. With a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, these switches offer a uniquely bouncy typing feel. The keys have a lively sensation, giving you rebound when pressed.
Ultimately, the choice between Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and KTT Cream Yellow linear switches depends on your personal preference for typing experience and sound signature. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. So, consider whether you prefer a heavy and tactile typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound, or a medium and bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound.
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