Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and a satisfying clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy is the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a reminiscent feel of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s and are categorized as sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile sensation that won't disrupt your typing flow, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is a fantastic option. These switches are part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series and provide an economical solution without sacrificing quality. With a frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting, the G Pro Brown creates an immersive visual experience. It is categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and stepped. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Box Navy utilizes a nylon material, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown also utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, thereby creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a slightly different typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the Box Navy compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown, due to the different qualities of their respective nylon bottom housings.
In summary, both the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile. They also both have nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-absorbing nature of nylon. However, due to the variations in the quality and stiffness of their respective housing materials, there may be slight differences in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Users can expect a more resonant sound when pressing down on the Box Navy, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown may provide a slight difference in sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams. This makes it a suitable option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a more appropriate choice for individuals who prefer a lighter switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to different preferences. However, if one prefers a lighter force, selecting the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch would yield similar results as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively close to each other.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown falls into the more traditional range of travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a slightly shallower travel distance which may be preferred by gamers seeking a faster response time. However, it's important to note that while shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, some individuals find them to be too abrupt and may prefer the longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 is known for its resonant and crunchy profile. Typing on these switches will provide a higher-pitched sound that creates an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch are unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that provides high feedback intensity. Each keypress can be felt distinctly, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for its easy-to-press, mild, and stepped feel. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feel of these switches is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, offering a safe and approachable typing experience with a mild tactile sensation.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Navy switch is best suited for those seeking a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound. The sharp and invigorating tactile feedback adds to the immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is ideal for users looking for an economic option without compromising on quality. With its easy-to-press and low-impact feel, it provides a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Although the sound characteristics of the G Pro 3.0 Brown are unknown, it can still be expected to deliver satisfactory auditory feedback.
While the subjective qualities of the two switches differ, both switches offer distinct and enjoyable typing experiences. If you are someone who enjoys the sound and feel of the Kailh Box Navy switch, you can expect similar results, in terms of a typing experience with medium-high pitch and subtle tactile sensation, from the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and budget.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a vintage feel and enjoy the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their 90-gram bottom out force provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing flow. The resonant and crunchy sound profile adds an immersive auditory experience to your keyboard sessions. With its sharp, invigorating, and stiff feel, the Box Navy switch offers a prominent and distinct tactile bump. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and effortless typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are the way to go. With a medium 63-gram bottom out force, these switches provide a low-impact feel that reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing. The easy-to-press, mild, and stepped characteristics of the G Pro 3.0 Brown offer a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences regarding typing force, sound, and tactile feel.
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