Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience and a satisfying clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches not only provide a unique sound signature but also offer a tactile feel that harkens back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option and a smoother typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are worth considering. These linear switches offer a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing feel. While these generalities can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper to fully understand the characteristics of each switch and determine the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow have similar top housings made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially useful for switches that feature RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the illumination to shine through. Both switches offer this advantage and will likely provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housings. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer composition. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on the Box Navy switches may elicit a different sound and feel compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches, as the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The Box Navy's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing also absorbs sound for a duller and rounder sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the two switches based on their desired sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, it is clear that they have different weight profiles. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy is even heavier at 90 grams, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 67 grams.
These differences in weight have implications for different typing preferences. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a suitable choice. The lighter actuation force of 50 grams allows for effortless keystrokes, which is beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force of 60 grams provides a stronger push feel, ensuring a satisfying tactile response with each keystroke. This can be particularly appealing to individuals who prefer a more robust typing sensation.
In summary, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offer distinct weight profiles. The Box Navy is heavier, with a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. Meanwhile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is lighter, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, allowing for effortless and extended typing sessions. Therefore, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences, with lighter options being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier options providing a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a longer travel distance, measuring 4 mm, compared to the Box Navy's 3.6 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow falls into the more traditional range, while the Box Navy offers a slightly shorter travel distance. Shorter travel distances have become popular, particularly among gamers who desire faster response times. Opting for the shorter travel distance can provide increased responsiveness. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 offers a resonant and crunchy experience. When typing on these switches, users can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. The sound is reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards with its immersive and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch produces a higher-pitched sound as well. It offers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a cleaner and less bassy sound profile. Both switches provide a resonant typing experience, offering a clean and sharp sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp and invigorating tactile experience. It has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress, providing high feedback intensity. These switches are also described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offers a polished and creamy feel. It has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The switch may have lubricant applied in the factory, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on these switches provides a buttery sensation, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best suited for those who desire a heavy typing experience and enjoy the sound and tactility of a clicky switch. These switches offer a resonant and crunchy sound profile, accompanied by a sharp and invigorating tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is a budget-friendly option that provides a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a polished, creamy feel. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, allowing individuals to choose based on their preferences. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. By considering all available information, newcomers can make an informed decision and achieve similar results based on their desired sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, 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. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy typing feel, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are the way to go. When it comes to sound, both switches offer a clean and sharp auditory experience, but the Box Navy is more resonant and crunchy, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is higher-pitched and also resonant. In terms of feel, the Box Navy provides a sharp and invigorating typing sensation with a strong and crisp tactile bump, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and creamy typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and budget.
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