Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are a fan of mechanical keyboards and are looking to upgrade to a more premium typing experience, you may find yourself stuck between two popular switch options: the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Flame Red. These switches offer distinct qualities that are bound to appeal to different preferences. The Box Navy switches are perfect for those seeking a heavy and tactile typing experience, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. With their resonant and invigorating clicky sound signature, they truly capture the essence of a traditional mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Flame Red switches are a great choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and want a visually stunning experience. These switches feature a dazzling light diffuser, making them an ideal option for those with backlit, RGB keyboards. When typing on the Flame Reds, you can expect a smooth and weighty feel along with a clacky sound profile. 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
54g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Flame Red switches differ in terms of the materials used. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon being a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
Similarly, both the Box Navy and the Flame Red switches employ nylon for their bottom housings. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, achieving a more impactful experience when pressing down on the keys.
When comparing the impact of the housing materials on the sound when letting go of a key, the top housing plays a crucial role. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy and the nylon top housing of the Flame Red will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, the Flame Red's nylon top housing results in a rounder and less sharp sound profile.
In summary, the differences lie in the material composition of the housing. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing leads to a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Flame Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share the quality of nylon bottom housing, providing a similar impact on the deep and full sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The Kailh Box Navy has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke, while the Flame Red has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and easier to activate. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy is heavier with 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when pressing the keys all the way down. On the other hand, the Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, which is comparatively lighter. These differences in force make the Box Navy suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Flame Red is more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience. Both switches will deliver similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces if their forces are the same, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it is clear that the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.6 mm of the Box Navy. This means that the Flame Red offers slightly more depth when pressing down on a key. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Flame Red being closer to the 4.0 mm standard.
The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy, as it allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and deliberate keypress may find the longer travel distance of the Flame Red to be more satisfying.
In summary, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch provide different travel distances, with the Flame Red being longer. Consider your desired level of responsiveness and depth when making a choice between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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
The Box Navy switch is best known for its heavy typing experience and vintage sound signature reminiscent of buckling keyboards from the 80s. The sound profile of the Box Navy is described as resonant and crunchy, resulting in a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. When typing on these switches, you can expect a clean and sharp sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The feel of the Box Navy is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff. The strong and crisp tactile bump provides a high feedback intensity, creating a distinct and immersive typing sensation. However, if you prefer a more gentle typing experience and a switch that stands in the middle ground, the Flame Red switch may be a better fit for you.
The Flame Red switch is known for its visual appeal, particularly its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for backlit or RGB keyboards. In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch is described as neutral with a moderate sound profile. This makes the switch suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The feel of the Flame Red switch is described as mild and polished. With a more gentle typing experience, these switches offer a safe middle-ground zone where the sound and feel are approachable to most users. The polished finish results in a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
In conclusion, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a vintage sound signature, the Box Navy switch is the ideal choice for you. Its resonant and crunchy sound profile, paired with a sharp and invigorating feel, will provide an immersive typing sensation. However, if you prefer a more visually appealing switch with a neutral sound profile and a gentle typing experience, the Flame Red switch is the optimal choice. Its light diffuser adds a dazzling visual element to your keyboard, while the mild and polished feel ensures a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Depending on your preferences, either switch can deliver excellent results, providing you with a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, 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. These switches are known for their resonant and crunchy sound profile, offering a clean and sharp typing experience. In terms of feel, the Box Navy switches provide a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prioritize aesthetics and have a backlit, RGB keyboard, then the TTC Flame Red linear switches are the best choice. The Flame Reds offer a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, while their visuals are enhanced by a dazzling light diffuser. These switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel for a more approachable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between Kailh Box Navy and TTC Flame Red hinges on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and aesthetics.
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