Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and a satisfying clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. These switches have a distinct sound signature and tactility reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. They are known for being sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff. On the other hand, if you prefer a more elastic feel and a moderate weight, the Outemu Crystal switches offer a unique linear typing experience. These switches provide a neutral sound profile while typing and are characterized as chirpy, high-pitched, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Crystal, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is also known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetic considerations, both switches will yield similar results with their polycarbonate top housing.
However, where the two switches differ is in the material used for their bottom housing. The Box Navy utilizes nylon, while the Crystal opts for polycarbonate. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, aligning with the qualities of its top housing as well.
Due to this difference, when pressing down on the Box Navy, the bottom housing's qualities will be more noticeable in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the Crystal's top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. These divergences in sound and tactile feedback highlight the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials in a switch.
In conclusion, while both the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Crystal utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the presence of nylon in the Box Navy's bottom housing and polycarbonate in the Crystal's bottom housing creates distinctions in sound and feel. Nonetheless, for those seeking a switch with a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile with RGB lighting capabilities, both switches offer satisfactory options.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces differ significantly. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Crystal's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Box Navy requires a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams while the Crystal has a relatively lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This contrast in forces provides a noticeable difference in typing experiences. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Navy provide a more substantial and deliberate typing feel, which is favored by those who prefer a stronger push. On the other hand, the Crystal's lighter forces allow for a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter typing experience, they would find the Crystal to be a suitable choice, while those seeking a heavier and more substantial feel would opt for the Box Navy.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Crystal has a slightly longer travel distance than the Box Navy.
The travel distance of a switch is important as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered to be the most traditional, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. These shorter travel distances provide a more responsive feel. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper, more substantial feel.
So, if you are looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch with its 3.6mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance for a more hearty typing experience, the Outemu Crystal linear switch, with its 4mm travel distance, would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40.
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 produces a resonant and crunchy sound profile. The higher-pitched sound gives an immersive auditory experience, similar to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a chirpy and high-pitched sound. It has a unique acoustic signature with a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles, but if you prefer a higher-pitched and sharp sound, the Box Navy would be a better choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump provides high feedback intensity, creating a prominent sensation with each keypress. Its snappy and reactive feel adds to the immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a polished feel. This indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to a comfortable and pleasant typing sensation. If you prefer a highly tactile and responsive feel, the Box Navy would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Crystal switch might suit you better.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best suited for those seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound signature and prominent tactile feedback. It offers a resonant and crunchy sound, along with a sharp and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a unique, linear typing experience with a chirpy and high-pitched sound, and a polished and smooth feel. Both switches offer distinct qualities and cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, it depends on individual preferences and requirements. It's important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and personal typing style when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky switch that provides a satisfying sound signature and strong tactile feedback, then the Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. They offer a vintage buckling keyboard feel and produce a resonant and crunchy sound when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique linear typing experience with a medium-light weight switch, the Crystal switches are a great choice. They offer a fairly elastic feel, a neutral sound profile, and a polished finish for smooth key travel. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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