Kailh Box Navy vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are some key factors to consider. The Box Navy switches are ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience with a satisfying click sound and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switches offer a smooth and seamless typing experience with a clacky, high-pitched sound signature that enhances RGB illumination. While both switches have their strengths, it ultimately comes down to 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
48g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The use of polycarbonate in both the top housing of the Box Navy and Lightning Silver V3 switches creates a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Box Navy's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs less sound and creates a duller sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
Furthermore, having different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can affect the typing and sound experience in distinct ways. When using switches with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be felt differently when typing. The bottom housing, such as the nylon in the Box Navy, will have a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key. In contrast, the top housing material, like polycarbonate in both switches, will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This variance in housing materials highlights the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing when evaluating a switch's overall performance.
Overall, while both the Kailh Box Navy and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Box Navy's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the typing experience and the overall sound produced, making it essential to consider the holistic design of a switch when making a decision.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Lightning Silver V3, while users who enjoy a heavier push feel may lean towards the Box Navy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches provide a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, making them suitable for those seeking a faster response time. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for quick inputs. However, for individuals who prefer a more pronounced key press and a deeper travel, the Kailh Box Navy with its slightly longer travel distance may be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience that is reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards, providing a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is bright, percussive, and compliments the switch's light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy being more resonant and crunchy, while the Lightning Silver V3 is clacky and high-pitched.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, offering a high feedback intensity and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, with the Box Navy being sharper and more invigorating, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a smoother typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, the Box Navy switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek a silky smooth typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is the perfect choice. Ultimately, both switches provide distinctive qualities that will enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a high-pitched, resonant sound, and intense tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter keystroke with a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound signature, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your selection.
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