Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Flaming Purple stand out as two distinctly different options. The Box Navy is a clicky switch beloved for its heavy typing experience and nostalgic sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple by TTC offers a smooth linear feel with a resonant character and a touch of bass in its sound profile, providing a unique auditory experience with every keystroke. While the Box Navy caters to those who enjoy a tactile and crunchy typing experience, the Flaming Purple appeals to those seeking a softer, more effortless typing feel. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Flaming Purple, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both switches share this common material for their top housing, the difference lies in their bottom housing material. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Flaming Purple also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience.
The contrasting factor between the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Flaming Purple lies in their bottom housing materials. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a distinct typing experience, with nylon's softer nature absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly varied feel and sound when typing on each switch. However, the shared polycarbonate top housing ensures that both switches deliver a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Flaming Purple share similarities in their top housing material, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique typing experiences. The Box Navy's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing delivers a similar typing experience. Despite these differences, the switches are likely to produce comparable results in terms of sound quality and typing feel, thanks to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that the Box Navy is significantly heavier in both aspects. The Box Navy requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's 42 grams, making it more resistant to accidental key presses. Additionally, the Box Navy has a higher bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Flaming Purple's lighter 47 grams. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Box Navy for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, individuals who value a lighter keystroke may find the Flaming Purple to be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for the user.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of movement. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches allows for consistent typing experiences, regardless of which one is chosen. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a specific key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a high-pitched and immersive auditory profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. While both switches have a resonant quality, the Box Navy leans towards a sharper and cleaner sound, while the Flaming Purple delivers a deeper and richer bass tone, creating a unique auditory flair for users.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is characterized by its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple switch provides a feathery, easy-to-press, and silky typing experience, requiring minimal exertion and offering a smooth and effortless feel during typing sessions. The Box Navy demands a higher actuation force, providing a more intense typing sensation, while the Flaming Purple offers a light touch with reduced finger fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged use.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch excels in providing a heavy typing experience with a sharp and crunchy sound, along with a sharp, invigorating tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its resonant bassy sound and feathery, easy-to-press feel, catering to users who prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing intensity, ensuring that users can select the switch that best suits their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a heavy typing experience with a tactile and clicky feel that harkens back to vintage keyboards, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a light and smooth typing experience with a slightly bassier sound profile that offers swift and effortless typing, then the TTC Flaming Purple linear switches would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a heavier and clicky tactile experience or a lighter and linear typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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