Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

If you are in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two great options to consider are the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Ink Red. The Box Navy switch is a clicky switch that offers a heavy typing experience with a distinctive sound signature and satisfying tactility. It pays homage to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s and is characterized as sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff. On the other hand, the Ink Red is a linear switch, known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. This switch provides a smooth and effortless typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. Categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished, the Ink Red switch offers a different typing experience compared to the Box Navy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$5.50 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

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Housing materials

The main point of contrast between the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Ink Red lies in their housing materials. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It is described as satisfyingly thin and clacky. While both materials provide a degree of sharpness and higher pitch to the sound, the Box Navy's polycarbonate is stiffer, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Ink Red's INK blend offers a slightly more rounded and less sharp sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box Navy employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound and contributes to a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which mirrors the characteristics of its top housing. It produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Both bottom housings generate a deeper sound, but the Box Navy's nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Red's more pronounced and potentially sharper sound.

When considering the impact on the overall typing experience, the qualities of the top and bottom housings play different roles. Pressing down on the switch allows the qualities of the bottom housing to be felt, as it greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing's impact on the sound becomes more apparent. While the specific differences between the Box Navy's and Ink Red's top and bottom housing materials may vary slightly, the general principles of the top housing affecting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound apply to both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, one notable difference is the actuation force. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Ink Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Box Navy requires more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ink Red.

In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy again comes out as the heavier option with a bottom out force of 90 grams, while the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams. Bottoming out refers to pressing the key all the way down, and in this case, the Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force.

Considering the weight of the switches, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might favor the Ink Red switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for easier and smoother keystrokes. This is especially beneficial for those who type for longer periods or engage in extensive gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more pronounced typing experience may prefer the Box Navy switch, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more significant tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Gateron Ink Red linear switch. Those looking for a lighter typing experience with smoother keystrokes may opt for the Ink Red, while those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience may prefer the Box Navy.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that the Box Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can still make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is shallower. However, with the growing popularity of shorter travel distances in recent times, gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Box Navy would be the better choice. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances too abrupt and might prefer the Ink Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance, as it provides a deeper keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy profile. These switches produce a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp profile, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. The Gateron Ink Red switch, on the other hand, has a neutral and chirpy sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that suits most purposes and provides a unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump of these switches provides high feedback intensity and an immersive typing sensation. However, they do require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a silky, mild, and polished feel. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They provide a gentle typing experience, suitable for a wide range of users, and the polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering all the available information, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and prominent tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switch is a perfect fit for you. Its heftiness and vintage sound signature will evoke a sense of nostalgia. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing style with a smooth and approachable feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch is a great choice. Its lower actuation force, satisfyingly smooth feel, and unique acoustic signature provide an effortless typing experience. While they offer different characteristics, both switches provide subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are seeking a heavy and tactile typing experience with a nostalgic clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. With a bottom out force of 90 grams, these switches are best suited for those who prefer a heavier typing style and want a prominent tactile bump with each keypress. The resonant and crunchy sound profile of the Box Navy switches adds to the immersive auditory experience.

On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a smoother and more gentle typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red switches are the ideal choice. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these linear switches offer a satisfyingly smooth feel and a crispy and clacky sound profile. The Ink Reds are effortless to type on and provide a moderate actuation force, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Navy and Gateron Ink Red switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prioritize a heavy and tactile typing experience with a clicky sound, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience with a linear sound, the Ink Red switches are the better choice. Consider your preferences, typing style, and desired sound and feel when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

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Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more