Kailh Box Navy vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, and the Durock Ice King Tactile, a tactile switch, it becomes evident that each offers a distinct typing experience. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the loud, satisfying click sound that accompanies each keystroke. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. If you value the vintage feel and noise of clicky switches, the Box Navy is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more subtle tactile feedback with a smooth keystroke, the Ice King Tactile may be the better choice for you. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
68g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches both play a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. While the Box Navy offers a more resonant and clear sound, the Ice King Tactile provides a rounder and duller sound, catering to different preferences in typing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Navy and the Ice King Tactile switches use nylon, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a more absorbent material, resulting in a more muted sound upon bottoming out the key. This characteristic is beneficial for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing, the impact of this material may vary depending on the overall design and construction of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Ice King Tactile greatly influences the typing experience. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing provides a clearer and more resonant sound, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing to create a more muted sound profile when bottoming out keys. Whether users prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a fuller and rounder sound, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Navy is heavier overall. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Ice King Tactile's 58 grams. Furthermore, the Box Navy's bottom out force of 90 grams is significantly heavier than the Ice King Tactile's 68 grams. This means that the Box Navy requires more force to trigger a keystroke and fully press down compared to the Ice King Tactile.
When considering weight preferences, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Tactile, as it has slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Box Navy due to its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for the typing experience they desire.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times. However, the Box Navy has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying feeling of depth when typing. If you enjoy a more pronounced key press, the Box Navy may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly quicker keystroke, the Ice King Tactile could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 is clean and sharp, reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch provides a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and desired auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump that provides a uniquely immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is described as silky, frictionless, stepped, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a refined finish. The Ice King Tactile switch offers a blend of smoothness and pronounced tactile feedback that is sure to satisfy tactile typing enthusiasts. Again, the choice between these switches comes down to individual preference for typing feel and feedback.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch both offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy provides a resonant and crunchy typing experience with a sharp and stiff tactile feel, while the Ice King Tactile offers a subdued and smooth typing experience with a silky and polished feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and clicky sound or a smoother, more refined typing experience, you can choose the switch that best suits your preferences. Ultimately, both switches are great options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience with top-tier switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a pronounced clicky sound and tactile feedback, then the Box Navy switches would be the perfect match for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more subtle tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Ice King Tactile switches would be ideal. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make your decision based on what feels right for your typing style and sound preference.
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