Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Glimp 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 exudes a nostalgic clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches are reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, offering a satisfying tactility and a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a balanced typing experience and a comfortable actuation force, the KTT Glimp switches are ideal. These switches provide tactile feedback and a responsive typing feel, without overwhelming resistance. Additionally, the Glimp switches have a fairly clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Glimp share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission. Therefore, both switches offer a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal due to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, a notable difference lies in the bottom housing material of the Box Navy and the Glimp. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Glimp also features a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the bottom housing in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, which is more impact-focused compared to the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Glimp offer similar sound characteristics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing. However, the difference in their bottom housing materials, both being nylon, may result in slight variations in the depth and roundness of the sound profile. Regardless, both switches are designed to provide an enhanced typing experience with their respective housing materials, giving users options based on their preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, there are significant differences in their weights. The Box Navy switch has a relatively heavy actuation force of 60 grams and an even heavier bottom out force of 90 grams. On the other hand, the Glimp switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a comparatively lighter bottom out force of 53 grams.
The weight of a switch is an essential factor to consider for various reasons. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for switches with lower actuation and bottom out forces, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This lightness is particularly beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards for work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions.
In contrast, some users prefer a more substantial typing feel that requires a stronger push. For them, switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be a more suitable choice. The Kailh Box Navy switch, with its heavier forces, would be ideal for those seeking a more robust and pronounced typing experience.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Navy and KTT Glimp switches differ, both switches satisfy the preferences of users seeking a certain weight. The Glimp switch provides a medium-light feel, whereas the Box Navy switch leans towards the heavier end. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the user's personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch with the KTT Glimp linear switch, we can see that the Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Glimp has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Box Navy may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Glimp switch with its longer travel distance. It is worth noting that both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference can have an impact on the overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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 Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is known for its heavy typing experience and vintage sound signature that resembles the buckling keyboards of the 80s. When typing on a Box Navy switch, you can expect a resonant and crisp sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound is described as higher-pitched and clean, with a satisfying crunch reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. In terms of feel, the Box Navy offers a sharp and invigorating typing sensation with its prominent and distinct tactile bump. It requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, making it a stiff switch that may require more force to press the keys.
On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch strikes a balance for those seeking a substantial typing experience without overwhelming resistance. With its moderate actuation force and clacky sound profile, the Glimp switch provides a satisfying and responsive typing feel. When pressed, it produces a sharp, snappy, and percussive sound, adding an enjoyable auditory element to your typing sessions. The Glimp switch offers a creamy and smooth typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Its mild characteristics make it approachable for most users, with a sound and feel that stands in a safe middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy provides a heavy and vintage typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as a sharp and invigorating tactile feel. On the other hand, the Glimp switch offers a balanced typing experience with a clacky and percussive sound profile, coupled with a creamy and smooth typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, but both can deliver satisfying results depending on the individual's preferences.
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. The Box Navy switches have a bottom out force of 90 grams, making them a heavy switch. In terms of sound, they offer a resonant and crunchy profile, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Box Navy switches provide a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing sensation with their intense tactile bump and higher amount of force required to actuate and bottom out.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that strikes the perfect balance between typing experience and resistance, then the KTT Glimp linear switches are a great choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, they offer a comfortable actuation force without overwhelming resistance. The Glimp switches provide a satisfying and responsive typing feel with their tactile feedback. In terms of sound, they offer a clacky and neutral profile, producing a sharp, bright, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Glimp switches provide a creamy and mild typing experience with a smooth, buttery sensation and a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavy typing experience, intense tactile feedback, and a resonant, crunchy sound, then the Box Navy switches would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience, tactile feedback, and a clacky, neutral sound, then the Glimp switches would be a better fit. Consider your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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