Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Honey 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 with a nostalgic feel, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. These clicky switches offer a satisfying sound signature and exceptional tactility, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more subtle typing experience, the TTC Honey switches are an excellent choice. These linear switches provide a creamy and frictionless feel, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. While the Box Navy switches are known for their sharp and invigorating sensations, the Honey switches offer a subdued and buttery typing experience. 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
42g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Honey share similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature clear housings, making them suitable for RGB lighting effects. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with these qualities, both the Box Navy and Honey would provide similar results.
However, the main point of differentiation lies in the bottom housing materials. The Box Navy employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a rounder, duller sound. On the other hand, the Honey uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing material. This means that the Honey switch will deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound throughout, as both the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall sound experience.
When it comes to typing experience, the choice of housing materials becomes crucial. The bottom housing of the switch influences the impact and sound when you bottom out a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. So, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel, the Box Navy's nylon bottom housing would be the better option. Conversely, if you prioritize the sound and feel when releasing a key, the Honey's polycarbonate top housing would come into play. Therefore, understanding the significance of each housing material and its impact on typing experience can help you choose the switch that suits your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it becomes evident that these switches offer different levels of tactile feedback. The Box Navy exhibits a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch or need to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue.
The weight of a switch plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. Some individuals may prefer lighter switches, allowing them to type for more extended periods, which is beneficial for office environments or lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, others may prioritize a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience, indicating a preference for switches with heavier forces.
Considering the weight aspect, the Box Navy can be considered the heavier option with its 60-gram actuation force and 90-gram bottom out force. In contrast, the Honey switch falls into the lighter category with its 42-gram actuation force and 50-gram bottom out force.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches differ, it is important to note that both switches can still offer comparable experiences to users seeking specific characteristics. Those desiring a heavier feel can opt for the Box Navy, while those who prefer a lighter touch can select the Honey switch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Honey linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Honey has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range of 4.0 mm, which is popular among gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive key presses, the Box Navy with its shorter travel distance might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Honey switch with its longer travel distance could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. The sound is similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch provides a more subdued sound. While not completely silent, it offers a dampened and subtle sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. The specific sound produced by each switch may vary depending on factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. With its high feedback intensity, the strong and crisp tactile bump is felt distinctly with each keypress, creating an immersive typing sensation. The switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, providing a more deliberate and robust feel. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch offers a creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished typing experience. With its smooth and buttery sensation, typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction, providing a fluid and seamless typing experience. The gentle resistance and light typing feel of the Honey switch, combined with the polished finish and reduced friction, contribute to a sleek and refined typing experience.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Honey switches offer contrasting experiences. The Box Navy switch provides a heavy and resonant typing experience, accompanied by a crunchy sound profile. Its sharp and stiff feel appeals to those who prefer a strong tactile feedback and high actuation force. On the other hand, the Honey switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, with a subdued sound profile. Its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, along with a gentle resistance and light typing feel, create a more subtle and effortless typing sensation.
If you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch would be a perfect fit. However, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the TTC Honey switch would be more suitable. It's important to consider your personal preferences, typing style, and environment when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, 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. You can expect a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The sharp and invigorating tactile feedback adds to the immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a creamy and pleasant sound profile, then the TTC Honey linear switches are the way to go. These switches offer a frictionless and buttery keystroke experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The subdued sound signature and gentle resistance make it suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Navy and the Honey switch comes down to your preference for heaviness and clickiness versus lightness and smoothness, respectively.
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