Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides an intense typing experience and delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switch is a perfect fit for you. These switches are known for their heftiness and sound signature, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. With descriptors like "Sharp," "Resonant," "Invigorating," "Crunchy," and "Stiff," the Box Navy offers a tactile and clicky experience that is sure to please enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke without the audible click, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is an excellent choice. It has long been a favorite within the keyboard community, providing a seamless downstroke and a satisfying clack. Categorized as "Low-pitched," "Bassy," "Chirpy," "Mild," and "Polished," this linear switch offers a more subtle and refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$5.50 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Ink Black V2, a notable contrast can be seen in the top housing. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. This blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. While both materials contribute to an elevated sound experience, the Box Navy's polycarbonate lends itself to a brighter and more resonant tone, while the INK blend of the Ink Black V2 provides a distinct clackiness.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box Navy adopts a nylon material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as well. This blend, similar to its top housing, contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Again, the Ink Black V2's bottom housing offers a clacky sound quality. Both the Box Navy's nylon and the INK blend in the Ink Black V2 provide unique sound experiences, with the former offering a deeper, fuller tone, and the latter yielding a distinct clackiness.

Considering the split between top and bottom housings, the impact of each material becomes evident. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's qualities come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the Box Navy's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound upon key press, while the INK blend of the Ink Black V2 will enhance its clacky sound profile. Conversely, the impact of the top housing on the sound is more noticeable when releasing a key. Thus, the polycarbonate top housing in the Box Navy will contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound when letting go of a key, while the INK blend in the Ink Black V2 will maintain its distinct clacky sound upon key release. Overall, while their materials differ, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to the allocation of each material to specific parts of the switch design.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it becomes evident that they have some similarities and differences. The actuation force for both switches is the same, being 60 grams, meaning that the initial force required to trigger a keystroke is equal. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction. The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams.

Considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch more suitable, as it allows for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a stronger push and desire a more substantial feel while typing, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch with its heavier bottom out force would be a better choice. In terms of actuation force, both switches offer a similar typing experience. Thus, by taking these factors into account, individuals can select the switch that aligns with their preferences and requirements.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is evident that there is a difference in their travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Black V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm.

With the Box Navy's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, it falls into the category of shorter travel distances that have become prevalent in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it offers faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Box Navy clicky switch may be the better option for you.

On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm. This falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, where 4.0 mm is considered the standard. Some individuals may prefer this slightly longer travel distance as it provides a sense of depth and avoids the abruptness that can be associated with shorter travel distances.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Black V2 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Consider your preferences for responsiveness and depth when choosing between the two options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a resonant and crunchy experience. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp tone, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. The sound of the Box Navy switch can be compared to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches have a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switches have a unique chirpy sound, which sets them apart from other switches. It's important to note that the sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. These tactile switches are known for their high feedback intensity, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. The intense feedback and snappy feel make typing with the Box Navy switch an immersive sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a milder and polished typing experience. These switches provide a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Ink Black V2 switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The mild feel and polished nature of these switches make them approachable to most users.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy switch is ideal for those who enjoy heavy typing experiences and appreciate the sound signature and tactility of clicky switches. Its heftiness and sound profile reminiscent of vintage keyboards provide an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is a long-time community favorite known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. It offers a milder and more polished typing experience, suitable for users who prefer a gentle feel. Both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you opt for the Box Navy or Ink Black V2 switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel described above.

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 provide a sharp and invigorating feel, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The sound profile of the Box Navy switches is resonant and crunchy, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches are an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a mild and polished feel, resulting in a more gentle and refined typing experience. The sound profile of the Ink Black V2 switches is low-pitched, bassy, and a little chirpy, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for heaviness, sound signature, tactility, and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more