Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Iron. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and appreciate the satisfying clicky sound associated with vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch offers a distinct clacky sound with light actuation for swift and fatigue-free typing. While the Box Navy is categorized as sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff, the Iron is known for being easy-to-press, clacky, mild, and neutral. Ultimately, deciding between these two switches will depend on your personal preference and typing style. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the TTC Iron's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate housing is known for its translucency and ability to enhance RGB lighting effects, the Iron's POM housing offers a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side. Despite their differences in sound profiles, both switches prioritize the auditory experience with their top housings.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Box Navy utilizes a nylon housing which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Iron also uses a POM bottom housing, contributing to the switch's overall deeper and more muted sound. While both switches share similar qualities in their bottom housing materials, the subtle differences in the composition of the nylon and POM housings may slightly alter the typing experience for users seeking a specific sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Iron ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, the Iron's POM top housing provides a unique and more muted sound. Additionally, both switches feature nylon and POM bottom housings that contribute to their deeper sound profiles. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, muted sound, each switch offers a distinct typing experience based on the materials used in their housing components.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, the differences are quite evident. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Iron switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions. The weight plays a significant role as some users prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while others prefer a heavier force for a more pronounced typing feel. In this case, the Box Navy switch is heavier, while the TTC Iron switch is lighter, catering to different preferences in typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Iron switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Navy switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Iron switch providing a slightly deeper key press compared to the Navy switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Iron switch provides a clacky and neutral sound profile, giving a sharp and snappy sound with a moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches offer distinct auditory feedback, with the Box Navy leaning towards a more immersive and sharp sound, while the Iron provides a crisp and percussive typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, making each keypress feel intense and distinct. The TTC Iron switch, in contrast, offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience with gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to activate. The Box Navy's strong tactile bump and stiffness cater to those seeking a more intense typing sensation, whereas the Iron's light actuation force and low-impact feel are ideal for prolonged typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue.
Overall, if you prefer a heavy and tactile typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter and smoother typing feel with a clacky and neutral sound, the TTC Iron switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing intensity. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound signature reminiscent of vintage keyboards, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a clacky sound and smooth travel for fatigue-free typing sessions, the TTC Iron linear switches would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be driven by your preference for typing feel and sound profile, whether you enjoy a sharp, tactile experience or a more gentle, easy-to-press sensation. Consider these factors when choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Iron linear switch to find the perfect fit for your typing needs.
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