Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Gold Brown Pro offer distinct experiences to cater to different preferences. The Box Navy switch is ideal for those who crave a heavy typing experience and enjoy the clicky sound and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro switch is perfect for individuals seeking a more subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, with a gentle bump and subdued sound profile for minimal distraction. Both switches have unique characteristics that appeal to different typing styles and preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Gold Brown Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in clear housings allows for better RGB lighting effects. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches differs in material composition, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics.
The Box Navy and Gold Brown Pro both showcase the benefits of polycarbonate top housing in terms of sound quality and aesthetics, with the differences lying in their nylon bottom housing. The softer nylon used in the bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder sound, complementing the sharpness and clarity provided by the polycarbonate top housing. This combination of materials in the different housings allows for a balance between impact and sound quality when typing on these switches.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Gold Brown Pro share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the unique composition of their nylon bottom housing sets them apart in terms of the sound profile produced. Both switches offer a blend of sharpness and depth in sound, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces. The heavier actuation force of the Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience, which some users prefer for a tactile response. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for work or gaming scenarios where prolonged usage is common. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Gold Brown Pro slightly longer in terms of travel distance. While both switches fall within the shorter range compared to traditional switches, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Navy, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may opt for the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a high-pitched and clean sound profile reminiscent of vintage keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile that is more subdued and subtle, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Box Navy may be more audible and distinct, the Gold Brown Pro allows for typing with minimal distraction, making it ideal for shared spaces or for those who prefer a more understated auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback that is strong and intense, offering a highly immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch offers a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped tactile feedback that is smooth and refined, providing a gentler and smoother typing experience. The Box Navy switch requires more force to actuate, making it more suitable for those who prefer a heavier keypress, while the Gold Brown Pro switch offers a lighter and more approachable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you are looking for a loud and tactile typing experience with strong feedback, the Box Navy is the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience with subtle tactile feedback, the Gold Brown Pro would be the better choice. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a heavy typing experience with a loud and crisp clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a vintage feel reminiscent of classic buckling spring keyboards, providing you with a satisfying tactile feedback and auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a quieter sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches would be a perfect fit. These switches allow you to stay focused on your tasks without being distracted by loud key presses, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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