Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience while also providing the satisfying sound and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Box Navy switches are an excellent choice for you. Reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, these switches boast a sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff feel. On the other hand, the KTT Lightnings are the ideal "speed" switches, perfect for situations where split-second decisions can make all the difference. These linear switches offer a slick typing experience with a clacky sound profile. Categorized as clacky, high-pitched, chirpy, subtle, and polished, the Lightning switches deliver a precise and polished feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and KTT Lightning switches share similarities when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both switches' polycarbonate top housing.
Where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Lightning switch also adopts a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the same qualities of a deeper and fuller sound. With both switches incorporating nylon at their bottom housing, users can anticipate a similar sound experience that is more muted and resonant compared to switches with harder plastic housing.
It is important to note that while the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of a switch, the impact each housing has on the sound and feel can still be discerned. When pressing down on either the Kailh Box Navy or KTT Lightning switch, the properties of the nylon bottom housing will be more prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing will play a larger role in determining the sound when a key is released. Therefore, users can expect a nuanced typing experience with distinct characteristics influenced by the specific housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. Starting with the actuation force, the Box Navy requires a heavier 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Lightning only requires a lighter 43 grams. This means that for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Lightning switch would be a more suitable option. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Box Navy is 90 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Lightning has a much lower bottom out force of 50 grams, resulting in a lighter overall typing experience. These differences in weight allow users to choose between a switch that enables longer periods of typing with less fatigue (Lightning) or one that provides a more robust and satisfying keystroke experience (Box Navy).
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch have different travel distances. The Kailh Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Box Navy has a longer travel distance compared to the Lightning. The Box Navy's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a deeper key press experience, which some individuals may prefer as it feels more substantial. On the other hand, the Lightning's 3 mm travel distance is shorter, making it ideal for gamers or those who value faster response times. Both options offer their own advantages depending on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches will give you a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience, with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. The sound is described as crisp, bright, and percussive, with a unique chirpy signature. While both switches offer distinct and satisfying sound profiles, the Box Navy is more associated with the classic clicky sound of vintage keyboards, while the Lightning has a sharper and snappier sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump provides high feedback intensity, and each keypress is distinctly felt. These switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, resulting in a more intensive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a subtle and polished feel. The resistance is gentle but not feather-light, and the typing feel is light and smooth. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, these switches offer a sleek and refined typing experience. It's important to note that both switches provide different tactile sensations, with the Box Navy providing a more pronounced tactile bump and the Lightning offering a gentler and smoother typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy provides an immersive and crunchy sound profile with a heavy and tactile typing experience. If you enjoy the vintage buckling keyboards' sound and a strong tactile feedback, this switch is a perfect fit. On the other hand, the Lightning offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a subtler, smoother, and more polished typing feel. These switches are ideal for fast-paced scenarios where milliseconds matter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired auditory and tactile experience. However, it's important to keep in mind that factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps will also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide unique and satisfying typing experiences tailored to different preferences.
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 profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s will provide you with a satisfying and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you value speed and precision, the KTT Lightning linear switches are the way to go. These switches are perfect for situations where milliseconds can determine success or failure, offering a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and a more subtle sound, the Lightning switches will suit your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Navy and Lightning switches depends on your specific typing preferences and needs.
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