Kailh Box Navy vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and delivers a satisfying clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch is an excellent choice. With a sound signature and tactility reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, these switches are perfect for those who enjoy the invigorating crunchiness of a clicky switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle tactile experience, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a refreshing contrast. Known for its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature, this switch provides a polished typing experience that stands apart from the sharper tactile switches commonly found on the market. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Light Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of either switch. In terms of sound and aesthetics, users can expect similar results from both the Box Navy and the Light Tactile.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Box Navy and the Light Tactile employ nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can anticipate a duller and rounder sound when using switches that feature a nylon bottom housing. Although both switches share this housing material, the specific characteristics of the bottom housing have a greater impact on the sound and feeling of bottoming out the keys, rather than on the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, while both the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Light Tactile utilize polycarbonate for their top housings and nylon for their bottom housings, the division of housing materials contributes to slightly different experiences. The top housing material heavily influences the sound when keys are released, while the bottom housing material affects the sound and feel when keys are bottomed out. However, users can expect comparable results in terms of the sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profiles generated by the polycarbonate top housings, as well as the deeper and fuller sound profiles created by the nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it becomes apparent that they have distinct characteristics. The Box Navy switch is notably heavier, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a sturdy and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a lighter touch, with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, falling into the medium-heavy range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, such as individuals using their keyboards for extended periods of time, the Light Tactile switch may be the more suitable option. Its lower actuation force allows for smoother and faster typing, reducing fatigue during long work or gaming sessions. However, for users who crave a more pronounced feedback and a greater sense of keystroke engagement, the Box Navy switch provides a satisfying level of resistance with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
It is important to note that while the forces differ between these switches, both can offer similar outcomes depending on personal preferences. By adjusting their typing technique, individuals can achieve a comparable typing experience on either switch. Considering the weight of the switches is essential, as it plays a crucial role in selecting the ideal switch for specific use cases and typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Light Tactile switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Box Navy switch. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Light Tactile switch is more in line with the traditional travel distance, offering a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Navy switch is shorter, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize faster response times. Both switches provide a distinct typing experience based on their travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference as to which one would be a better fit.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 experience. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. The sound is often compared to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch produces a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound level, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. They require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, requiring more pressure when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished feel. It provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced tactile characteristics. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Navy switch would be a perfect fit. It offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile and a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and polished typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice. It provides a neutral sound profile and a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the typing experience one desires.
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. Additionally, when typing on them, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a sharp and invigorating tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switches are ideal. These switches offer a mild and polished typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, planning to use the switches at home or work, the Light Tactile switches provide a neutral sound profile and a safe, middle-ground feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and Durock Light Tactile switches depends on your preference for heavy or gentle tactility, as well as your desired sound profile.
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