Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish offer distinct experiences for different preferences. If you prioritize a heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches are an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced tactile feel with a medium weight and a neutral sound signature, the EverFree Grayish switches may be more up your alley. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing material of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches are quite similar, as both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a consistent level of quality and aesthetic appeal.
However, the differences between the two switches become apparent when examining their bottom housing materials. The Box Navy features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches equipped with this material. On the other hand, the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, highlighting the classic nature of this material and its ability to impact the overall typing experience.
Overall, while both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials showcase distinct qualities that impact the sound and feel of typing on each switch. The bottom housing's impact is felt in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By carefully selecting housing materials for each component of the switch, manufacturers can customize the typing experience to cater to different preferences and usage scenarios.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gateron EverFree Grayish tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 59 grams. However, the Box Navy also has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, while the bottom out force of the EverFree Grayish is unknown. This means that the Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience with both a heavier actuation and bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the EverFree Grayish switch may be more suitable due to its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference, with the Box Navy offering a heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The Box Navy's slightly longer travel distance may provide a bit more of a tactile feedback feeling compared to the EverFree Grayish switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the feel and responsiveness desired in typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EverFree (EF) Grayish for $2.69.
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 characterized by a resonant and crunchy sound profile that is reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, providing an immersive and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of environments and users. While the Box Navy switch delivers a higher-pitched and crisp sound, the EF Grayish switch provides a more moderate and versatile sound quality that can complement different typing preferences and settings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the level of sound intensity and pitch that the user prefers in their mechanical keyboard experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile sensation, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that provides intense feedback with each keypress. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch offers a more stepped and snappy tactile feel, with a two-stage sensation that is responsive and lively. The Box Navy switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, providing a hefty typing experience, while the EF Grayish switch offers a more moderate actuation force and a smoother typing experience. The decision between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for feedback intensity and actuation force in their mechanical keyboard.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences and environments. The Box Navy switch is ideal for those seeking a heavy and clicky typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, while the EF Grayish switch is suited for users looking for a more neutral and versatile tactile sensation with a stepped and snappy feel. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a distinctive clicky sound, then the Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight tactile switch with a neutral sound profile, the EF Grayish switches may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences, so make sure to choose based on your individual typing preferences and needs.
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