Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Gold Red 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 emits a satisfying clicky sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches may just be the perfect fit for you. With a sound signature and tactility that hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, these switches provide a truly nostalgic typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switches are an excellent choice. These switches offer a buttery smooth feel and a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and TTC Gold Red switches both use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for RGB lighting. This means that both switches would provide comparable sound and aesthetic benefits when it comes to their top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Navy utilizes nylon while the Gold Red also uses nylon. The nylon bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic nature. The nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing of both switches would provide a similar sound experience, emphasizing the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel while typing.
It is important to note that when considering the overall sound profile of a switch, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials will contribute to the overall experience. While the top housing affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, in terms of the tactile experience and sound profile, both the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Gold Red switches would offer distinct characteristics due to their different combination of top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Navy switch is on the heavier side, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams. This means that it requires a relatively strong push to trigger a keystroke and provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch is lighter in comparison, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter touch allows for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience, making it suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. It is important to note that both switches have differing force requirements, catering to different preferences and typing styles. As a result, selecting the appropriate switch ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Red has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Box Navy offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Red being closer to the average 4.0 mm and the Box Navy being slightly shallower at 3.6 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth in typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 best known for its heavy typing experience and vintage buckling keyboard sound signature. When typing on these switches, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The tactile feedback is sharp and invigorating, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. These switches are also known for their stiffness, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out.
On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. The sound profile is described as thocky, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. These switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches provide a mild and subtle typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone. They are silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and TTC Gold Red linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy delivers a resonant and crunchy sound with sharp tactile feedback and a stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red offers a thocky sound with a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a mild and subtle typing experience that is silky and polished. Choosing between these switches depends on your preference for heavy and tactile typing or smooth and gentle typing. However, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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. With a bottom out force of 90 grams, these switches offer a satisfyingly tactile and clicky typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, then the TTC Gold Red linear switches are the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a gentle typing feel and a snappy sound profile without being too ostentatious. Additionally, their low-pitched sound adds a touch of elegance to your keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Gold Red switches depends on your preferred typing experience and sound profile. Whether you lean towards heavy and clicky or light and smooth, both switches offer unique qualities and can enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
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