Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Gold Red Pro offer distinct experiences for users. If you crave a heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound, the Box Navy switches are the way to go, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro linear switch provides a smooth and versatile typing experience suitable for various preferences and environments. Both switches have their unique qualities, with the Box Navy being characterized by sharpness, while the Gold Red Pro boasts a more polished feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Gold Red Pro switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches that aim for a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to keyboards equipped with these switches.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Box Navy and Gold Red Pro switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. This combination of housing materials in a switch allows for a balance between a clear, crisp sound upon key press and a more subdued sound upon release, providing a dynamic typing experience.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Gold Red Pro switches allows for a unique typing experience with a combination of sharp, clear sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and deep, full sounds from the nylon bottom housing. While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, such as the polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their bottom housings contribute to distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Box Navy has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Gold Red Pro. The Box Navy requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 90 grams to bottom out, while the Gold Red Pro only needs 43 grams to actuate a keystroke and the bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Box Navy the heavier option between the two. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Box Navy due to its heavier forces, while those looking for a lighter typing experience may find the Gold Red Pro more suitable. In terms of weight, the Box Navy is heavier, making it ideal for users who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Gold Red Pro is lighter, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Gold Red Pro being slightly longer. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Gold Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that gives an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound that is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it suitable for any environment. The Box Navy's sound may be more distinctive and satisfying for those seeking a bold auditory experience, while the Gold Red Pro's sound is more versatile and adaptable to various settings.
In terms of feel, the Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This creates a typing sensation that is intense and immersive, perfect for those who prefer a heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro switch offers a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience that is smooth, refined, and gentle. This makes it accessible and comfortable for users of different preferences, providing a seamless typing feel that minimizes resistance.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy excels in providing a bold, resonant sound and a sharp, invigorating feel for those seeking a heavy typing experience, while the Gold Red Pro offers a versatile, low-pitched, and neutral sound with a polished, silky, and mild feel for a more adaptable typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, both switches can provide satisfactory results, with the Box Navy offering a more intense and distinctive experience and the Gold Red Pro offering a smoother and more versatile typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, the Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a versatile switch with a thocky, low-pitched, or neutral sound profile, and a smooth and polished feel, the Gold Red Pro linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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