Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Gold Silver stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Box Navy is perfect for those who prefer a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound signature and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Gold Silver offers rapid responsiveness and a smooth, polished keystroke experience with a low-pitched sound profile. While the Box Navy excels in providing a crunchy and invigorating typing experience, the Gold Silver focuses on delivering a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity in each keystroke. 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
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
The key difference between the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Gold Silver lies in their bottom housing materials. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, the Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that typing on the Box Navy switch will produce a combination of sharpness and depth in sound, offering a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Gold Silver switch also features a polycarbonate top housing but pairs it with a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Gold Silver switches share the benefits of having a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. This means that users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual appeal from both switches, thanks to their shared top housing material. However, the choice between the sharper sound of the Box Navy's nylon bottom housing or the fuller sound of the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing will ultimately come down to personal preference.
In terms of the impact on typing experience, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Gold Silver play a significant role in how the switches sound and feel. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This means that the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Box Navy results in a balanced typing experience with both sharpness and depth, while the Gold Silver offers a more subdued and rounder sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is clear that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gold Silver's lighter 45 grams. Additionally, the Box Navy requires a bottom out force of 90 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown. This means that the Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience, while the Gold Silver offers a lighter touch. Both switches have their advantages, as some prefer the lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier force for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Box Navy has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver. For those who prioritize a more responsive feel, the Gold Silver may be the preferred option due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Box Navy may appeal to individuals who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile that delivers a deep and rich tone with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, catering to different preferences - the Box Navy for those who enjoy a sharp and unique clicky sound, and the Gold Silver for those who prefer a smoother, bass-heavy sound.
When it comes to feel, the Box Navy switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, providing a tactile and hefty typing experience with a strong tactile bump. In contrast, the Gold Silver switch offers a polished, silky, mild, and subtle feel, with a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience. The Gold Silver switch's shortened travel distance also contributes to a swift and fluid keystroke, perfect for those seeking rapid responsiveness and a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Navy provides a crunchy, resonant sound and a sharp, invigorating feel, the Gold Silver switch delivers a thocky, low-pitched sound and a polished, silky feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, with both switches offering unique and enjoyable qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a sharp, resonant sound and a tactile bump, then the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is the way to go. These switches are perfect for those who appreciate the vintage feel of buckling spring keyboards and enjoy a crunchy sound profile while typing. On the other hand, if you value rapid responsiveness, smooth key travel, and a thocky, low-pitched sound, then the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With its polished, silky feel and gentle typing experience, the Gold Silver switch offers a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity in each keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to whether you prioritize a heavy, tactile typing experience with a resonant sound or a swift, smooth keystroke with a thocky, low-pitched sound.
Mentioned in this article
