Kailh Box Navy vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch. The Box Navy is ideal for those who prefer a hefty typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Jacaranda stands out for its gentle bottom-out force, making it easy on the fingers and providing a unique bouncy sensation with each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and PH Studio Jacaranda both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful if RGB lighting is important to you. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a consistent sound profile and allows for a visually appealing switch design.
Both the Box Navy and Jacaranda utilize nylon bottom housings, which offer a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other materials. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. The qualities of the bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on these switches. This provides a tactile experience that is both satisfying and smooth, making the switches ideal for prolonged typing sessions.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are different, such as the Kailh Box Navy and PH Studio Jacaranda, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This combination of materials allows for a unique typing experience that balances tactile feedback with a distinct sound profile, making both switches popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch differ significantly. 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 for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. The Box Navy is better suited for individuals who enjoy a more robust typing experience, while the Jacaranda is perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with lighter switches being more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, and heavier switches offering a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they both offer a relatively quick keystroke. Whether you prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Navy or the slightly shorter travel distance of the Jacaranda will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches offer a comparable typing experience with similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, creating a vintage buckling keyboard sound reminiscent of the 80s. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a crisp and audible feedback with each press. While both switches offer distinctive sound profiles, the Box Navy leans towards a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience, while the Jacaranda provides a sharp and percussive sound.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is characterized by its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, offering a tactile bump that is prominent and distinctly felt with each keypress. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The extended 22mm spring in the Jacaranda switch also adds a bouncy sensation to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing feel to new levels. While the Box Navy offers a more intense and tactile typing experience, the Jacaranda focuses on smoothness and ease of typing.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy excels in providing a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, suitable for those seeking a heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Jacaranda stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound, combined with a silky smooth typing experience and a bouncy sensation from the extended spring. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct advantages, and choosing between them will result in different typing experiences.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a heavy, tactile typing experience with a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, then the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light, linear typing experience with a clacky, high-pitched sound profile and silky smooth feel, then the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize typing feel, sound profile, or a combination of both. Consider how you want your typing experience to feel and sound before making your final choice between these two unique switches.
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