Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch and value a strong typing experience accompanied by the satisfying sound of each keypress, then the Kailh Box Navy switch might be the perfect fit for you. This clicky switch not only provides a heavy typing experience but also offers a sound signature and tactility reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. Categorized as 'Sharp', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', 'Crunchy', and 'Stiff', the Box Navy switch is ideal for those who appreciate a robust and audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more lightweight typing experience with just a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime switch presents a compelling option. Known for its unique qualities, the Lime switch is both tactile and silent. It provides an approachable tactility and a feathery light typing experience, perfect for fans of tactile switches. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Lime switch offers a gentle tactile feedback without the loud clicks. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Lime switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is also ideal for RGB lighting if desired. In contrast, the Lime switch utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches employ nylon as the material. This choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. Nylon's ability to absorb sound makes it particularly effective at creating a richer tone. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both the Box Navy and the Lime switches offer a similar sound experience during key presses.
However, it is important to note that the difference in top housing materials between the two switches plays a crucial role in the overall sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy enhances the sound when releasing a key, while the nylon top housing of the Lime contributes to a fuller sound during key presses. These differences highlight how the qualities of each housing material are distributed throughout the switches, impacting the overall sound and feel.
In summary, the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Lime switches showcase varying housing materials that result in distinctive sound profiles. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, particularly noticeable upon key release, while the Lime's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound during key presses. The shared nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent depth and richness in sound when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that the forces differ significantly. The Kailh Box Navy switch has a relatively heavier actuation force of 60 grams, compared to the lighter actuation force of 35 grams for the Outemu Lime switch. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy is heavier at 90 grams, while the Outemu Lime has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Lime switch would be a favorable choice, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces provide a smoother and lighter keystroke feel. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who require extended typing sessions or engage in long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy switch caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, this switch offers a more tactile and responsive keystroke, ideal for individuals who appreciate a more robust and tactile feedback during typing or gaming.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Lime switches differ, those seeking similar results can still achieve a comparable experience. By selecting the Outemu Lime switch with a lighter actuation and bottom out force, users can enjoy a similar light typing sensation to that of the Kailh Box Navy switch. Conversely, if a heavier typing experience is desired, the Kailh Box Navy switch would provide the desired tactile feedback and resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming requirements of each individual.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch have contrasting travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lime has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box Navy being on the longer end and the Lime on the shorter end, the difference of 0.3 mm may be noticeable to some users. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, may prefer the Lime switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel and deeper keystrokes might gravitate towards the Box Navy and its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40.
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
The subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch differ significantly in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of sound, the Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience. Typing on this switch will provide a higher-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. The sound is clean, sharp, and resembles the satisfying crunch of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Lime switch provides a neutral and muted sound profile. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise often associated with mechanical keyboards.
Moving on to the feel, the Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, providing a highly intense feedback with each keypress. This switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, resulting in a more demanding typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. It provides a gentle and approachable typing experience with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. The switches offer a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch provide vastly different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound with sharp and stiff tactile feedback, the Lime switch provides a neutral and muted sound with a mild and feathery feel. Both switches have their own unique benefits and cater to different preferences. However, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience similar to the Box Navy switch but prefer a lighter touch, the Lime switch can provide a similar result with its feathery and subtle feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a vintage feel and enjoy the sound and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a robust and satisfying typing experience. The Box Navy switches are known for their resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. In terms of feel, they offer a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more gentle typing experience with just a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime tactile switches are the ideal choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches are lightweight and offer a feathery feel. The Lime switches are known for their neutral and muted sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments. They provide a mild and subtle tactile feedback, reducing finger fatigue and ensuring comfortable extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Lime switches depends on personal preference for typing force, sound, and tactile feedback.
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