Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and a nostalgic sound signature, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback and are reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch might be the ideal option. With an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, it ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes. Additionally, the G Pro White switch features a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate also results in a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from the top housings of both switches.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Box Navy and the G Pro 3.0 White are equipped with nylon. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material and brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can anticipate a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using these switches.
It's important to note that the different housing materials in a switch play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing, which is nylon for both switches, has a stronger impact on the bottom-out sound and overall tactile feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing, which is polycarbonate for both switches, primarily influences the sound when a key is released. This split in housing materials allows for a balanced experience, with the benefits of each material contributing to the unique characteristics of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, there is a clear difference in weight between the two. The Box Navy switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a preferable choice for individuals who prefer a lighter weight option. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on the desired force required for keystrokes. However, if a lighter weight is preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be a suitable option, while those seeking a heavier and more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Kailh Box Navy switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 White has the longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Box Navy with its shorter travel distance would be a better option. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, the G Pro 3.0 White with its longer travel distance would be the choice for you. It is important to note that while 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional travel distance and 3.0 mm is the most shallow, there is a growing trend towards shorter travel distances. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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 experience. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, providing an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean, sharp, and comparable to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch produces a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. It offers a medium-high pitch, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. Additionally, the G Pro White switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. It produces a more subdued sound compared to most switches, creating a more subtle sound signature. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Box Navy providing a resonant and crunchy experience, while the G Pro White offers a clacky and neutral sound with some subdued characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that is highly noticeable with each keypress. The feedback intensity is high, offering a pronounced typing sensation. However, due to their stiffness, more force is required to actuate and bottom-out the keys. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. These switches are known for their smooth and buttery feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. They have gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The light actuation force and feathery nature make them comfortable for prolonged use, such as gaming or work. The G Pro White switch also offers a more gentle typing experience, standing in a safe, middle-ground zone. Overall, the Box Navy switch provides a high-feedback and stiff typing feel, while the G Pro White switch offers a smooth and low-impact experience with various levels of subtlety.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy switch appeals to those seeking a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the G Pro White switch caters to delicate typists by providing a light and effortless feel along with a clacky and neutral sound profile. While they differ in terms of characteristics, both switches offer distinct and enjoyable typing experiences. If you prefer a heavy, resonant, and crunchy experience, the Box Navy is the way to go. If you prefer a light, smooth, and low-impact experience, the G Pro White switch is a great choice. In either case, the provided information indicates that you will achieve similar results to what is described.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky switch, love the sound signature and tactility of vintage buckling keyboards, and appreciate a higher-pitched and crunchy sound profile, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, effortless and sensitive keystrokes, brighter RGB lighting, and a clacky and neutral sound profile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switches would be the better choice. Additionally, if you value a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance, easy-to-press keys, reduced finger fatigue, and a creamy or feathery feel, then the G Pro 3.0 White switches would be a great fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing intensity, sound profile, and typing feel.
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