Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and incorporates the classic sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy is the perfect choice for you. Its weight and sound signature are reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a smooth and creamy typing experience with a different sound signature, the Gateron Ink Box Black is the ideal option. Its sound reminds us of a spray paint can being shaken. While these general pointers give you an idea of what to expect from each switch, let's delve deeper into their characteristics to help you make an informed decision.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$5.50 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and Gateron Ink Box Black switches offer distinct differences in sound profile and aesthetics. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic produces a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a brighter typing experience. In comparison, the Ink Box Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. This blend results in a satisfyingly thin, clacky sound, providing a unique auditory sensation.

While the top housings differ, both switches share a similarity in their nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that enhances the sound profile by eliciting a deeper and fuller tone. Unlike the stiffer polycarbonate, nylon has a softer texture that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Box Navy and Ink Box Black switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing's ability to create a more resonant and immersive typing experience.

It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are distributed differently in the switches. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's characteristics are more evident, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Box Navy and Ink Box Black may have variations in their housing materials, the overall typing experience will exhibit similarities in terms of sound profile and tactile response.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are notable differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, is the same for both switches, measuring at 60 grams. However, the bottom out force, which measures the force needed to press the key all the way down, differs between the two switches. The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. For those who value a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be a suitable choice. However, if a heavier and more substantial typing experience is desired, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch fulfills this preference better.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom will be the same. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Box Navy or the Ink Box Black, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. The sound can be compared to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound. Pressing these switches results in a sharp and snappy sound, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. If you prefer a more sharp and crisp sound without rich and bassy profiles, the Ink Box Black is a good choice. It is essential to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that provides noticeable feedback with each keystroke. They require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out than other switches, resulting in a more intense typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a silky and polished feel. These switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The smooth and refined finish of these switches, achieved through either materials used or factory lubing, allows for smooth key travel and minimized friction.

Considered together, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Box Navy is ideal for those who desire a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. In contrast, the Ink Box Black is suited for those seeking a smooth and polished typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound. Each switch caters to different preferences, so it is important to determine whether you value the heavy tactility and vintage sound of the Box Navy or the smoothness and sharpness of the Ink Box Black.

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. The Box Navy switches have a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a satisfyingly heavy typing feel. The sound profile of the Box Navy switches is resonant and crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves.

On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a linear switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, the Ink Box Black switches offer a medium-heavy typing feel. Their sound signature is clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. The smoothness of the Ink Box Black switches enhances the overall typing feel, providing a silky and polished experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a heavy and tactile typing experience with a distinct sound profile, go for the Box Navy switches. If you prefer a smooth and creamy typing feel with a linear switch, opt for the Ink Box Black switches. Consider the sound, feel, and bottom out force of each switch to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. In the end, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

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Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more