Kailh Box Navy vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, there are two options that stand out: the Kailh Box Navy and the Everglide Crystal Violet. The Box Navy switches are perfect for those who crave a heavy typing experience and enjoy the satisfying clicky sound and tactile feel that harkens back to vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switches offer a lighter operating force of 45g, making them ideal for those who prefer a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. These switches provide a gentle and comfortable feel, with a mellow and non-intrusive sound profile leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Everglide Crystal Violet differ in their housing materials. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Crystal Violet has an ABS top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its translucency also makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, ABS, commonly found in keycaps, creates a relatively low-pitched sound profile when used in switch housings. So, while the Box Navy will produce a clearer and resonant sound, the Crystal Violet will have a deeper and fuller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box Navy utilizes a nylon material, which is considered a classic housing material for switches. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet has an ABS bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, this ABS material contributes to a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing.
It is important to note that the housing materials of a switch impact different aspects of the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon or ABS, can be felt and heard when bottoming out a key. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the sound and feel during the pressing motion. On the other hand, the top housing, whether it be polycarbonate or ABS, plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Box Navy and Crystal Violet may have different housing materials, the overall typing experience will be influenced by both the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Box Navy switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Crystal Violet's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Box Navy switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke, providing a stronger push feel. Similarly, the Box Navy switch has a higher bottom out force of 90 grams, indicating that it requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Crystal Violet's bottom out force of 55 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Violet switch would be a suitable option. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for easier keystrokes, making it ideal for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Box Navy switch more appealing. Its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, which can potentially enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a more tactile sensation.
Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. While the Box Navy switch offers a heavier and more substantial typing experience, the Crystal Violet switch provides a lighter and more comfortable feel. Both switches have their own advantages, and it is important to consider factors such as typing endurance and desired typing sensation when making a decision.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Crystal Violet has a longer distance compared to the Box Navy. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered the most traditional, while 3.6mm is slightly shorter. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Box Navy a potential choice for them. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring the deeper feel provided by the Crystal Violet's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference for either responsiveness or a deeper key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches will produce a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and more mellow sound experience. With a subtle and non-intrusive auditory profile, these switches lean towards the lower-pitched spectrum, thanks in part to the special use of ABS in their housings. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, those seeking a resonant and immersive sound experience will find the Box Navy appealing, while the Crystal Violet provides a pleasant and relaxed auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The high feedback intensity adds to the immersive typing sensation, making them a favorite for heavy typists. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a creamy, mild, and stepped typing experience. The smooth and buttery feel of these switches, thanks to lubrication or specific materials, provides a silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. The mild characteristics of the Crystal Violet switches make them approachable for most users, while the stepped design adds a touch of pre-travel or post-travel, enhancing the tactile experience. Whether you prefer a sharp and intense feel or a smooth and gentle typing experience, these switches cater to different preferences.
In summary, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best suited for those seeking a heavy typing experience with a resonant and immersive auditory profile. The sharp and invigorating feel of these switches, along with their high feedback intensity, adds to the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is ideal for those looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a low-pitched and mellow sound profile, as well as a creamy and mild feel, these switches offer a comfortable typing experience. While they have different subjective qualities, both switches provide unique experiences that cater to specific preferences. If you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a resonant sound and sharp feel, the Box Navy will be a great choice. If you prefer a more relaxed and stepped tactile experience with a mellow sound and creamy feel, the Crystal Violet will suit your needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and strong tactility reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a resonant and crunchy sound profile, along with sharp and invigorating feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and stepped tactile experience with a mellow and non-intrusive sound, then the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are ideal. With a lighter operating force, these switches provide a creamy and mild feel, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes. Overall, your decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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