Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Darling offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box Navy is a clicky switch that provides a heavy typing experience with a distinctive sound signature and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Darling is a linear switch that offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation, with a pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. If you enjoy a clicky typing experience with a crunchy and stiff feel, the Box Navy is the way to go. However, if you prefer a linear switch that is bouncy and clacky with a high-pitched and resonant sound, the KTT Darling might be more suitable for you. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
Comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Darling, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness and resonant qualities. Aesthetically, the clear housing of polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The similarities in top housing material indicate that users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using either switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Navy and the Darling feature nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The shared use of nylon for the bottom housing suggests that users can anticipate a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
While both switches share similar housing materials for their top and bottom components, the impact of each housing material is divided between the two parts of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will be more noticeable when bottoming out keys during typing. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction allows users to experience a balanced combination of sound profiles and tactile feedback from the top and bottom housings of both the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Darling switches.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Darling linear switch. The Box Navy requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 90 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier switch overall. In contrast, the Darling only needs 45 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. The actuation force of the Darling being lighter may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Box Navy may provide a more substantial and deliberate typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. If both switches had the same actuation and bottom out forces, users would experience similar results in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of relatively short travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize fast response times. However, the Box Navy has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Darling. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the keypress, you may find the Box Navy more to your liking. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker actuation, the Darling could be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect comparable results from either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Darling switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, with a more modern feel that resonates with each keystroke. Both switches deliver a satisfying auditory feedback, but the Box Navy leans towards a sharper, immersive sound profile, while the Darling offers a crisp, bright sound that adds to the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating tactile feedback that requires a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a stiff yet satisfying typing sensation. Conversely, the KTT Darling switch offers a bouncy feel, providing a springy and elastic feedback that adds a lively touch to each keystroke. While the Box Navy focuses on a pronounced tactile bump and intense feedback, the Darling emphasizes rebound and responsiveness, making it a unique switch that appeals to those who prefer a softer typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Darling linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box Navy excels in providing a heavy, tactile typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a vintage-style typing feel. On the other hand, the Darling switch offers a chewy, bouncy typing sensation accompanied by a clacky, high-pitched sound that adds a modern twist to the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a sharp tactile feedback and immersive sound (Box Navy) or a bouncy, responsive feel with crisp auditory feedback (Darling). Regardless, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile reminiscent of vintage keyboards, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the way to go. The 90-gram bottom out force provides a substantial feel with each keypress. On the other hand, if you enjoy a linear switch with a chewy typing sensation and bouncy feedback, the KTT Darling switches with a 53-gram bottom out force are a great choice. The Darling's pronounced bounciness adds a springy responsiveness to your typing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer the heavy tactility and sound of a clicky switch like the Box Navy or the chewy feel and bouncy feedback of a linear switch like the Darling. Both switches offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences.
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