Kailh Box Navy vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that will provide an exhilarating and nostalgic typing experience, the Kailh Box Navy switch is a perfect choice. With a satisfyingly heavy feel and a distinct sound signature reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, these clicky switches offer a tactile and auditory delight. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more serene typing experience, the Gazzew LT switch might be the ideal option for you. These linear switches, with their enticing lilac hue, provide a deep and resonant "thockiness" that creates an auditory symphony with every keystroke. Additionally, the LT switches offer a seamless glide, allowing for effortless and fluid typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gazzew LT differ significantly in terms of sound profile. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it a preferred choice for users who prioritize a vibrant and lively typing experience. In contrast, the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, made from a softer plastic blend known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile. Its softness allows for a more subdued and mellow typing sound that may appeal to those seeking a quieter and more soothing typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches have distinctive materials that contribute to the overall sound. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that adds a sense of depth to each keystroke. Similarly, the Gazzew LT features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also leverages the softness of the "boba plastic." This blend contributes to a rich and deep sound that complements the overall typing experience with a satisfying thud-like sound upon each press.
In terms of the impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material will predominantly affect this aspect. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the sound is more influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings contribute differently to the overall sound profile, with the Box Navy emphasizing sharpness and the Gazzew LT focusing on depth, both switches aim to provide satisfying and immersive typing experiences using their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Box Navy has a relatively heavier actuation force of 60 grams, meaning it requires more pressure to register a keypress. In contrast, the LT switch's actuation force is currently unknown, potentially making it lighter or heavier than the Box Navy.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Box Navy again showcases its robustness with a heavy force of 90 grams. This means that users will feel a substantial resistance when fully pressing the keys, offering a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the LT switch boasts a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing slightly less resistance compared to the Box Navy.
Considering weight preference, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may opt for the LT switch (if its actuation force is lighter or similar to the Box Navy). The reduced actuation and bottom out forces can allow for longer typing sessions without causing as much fatigue. In contrast, users who prefer a more substantial typi
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the 3.2 mm travel distance of the Gazzew LT linear switch. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, but the LT is slightly shallower than the Box Navy. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the LT a popular choice in gaming setups. However, some may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and in this case, the Box Navy's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50.
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 experience. Typing on these switches will provide a clean and sharp sound profile, akin to the satisfying crunch of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound. The deep and rich sound profile resembles a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. The LT switch also produces a lower-pitched and more mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you choose.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff. These switches provide a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump, resulting in a distinct sensation with every keypress. The invigorating nature of these switches offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Box Navy switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, giving it a stiff feel.
Unfortunately, there is no available information regarding the feel of the Gazzew LT linear switch. However, based on the description of the LT switch providing a seamless glide with every keystroke, one can expect a smooth and effortless feel when typing on these switches.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a heavy typing experience with a vintage buckling keyboard sound signature. It provides a resonant and crunchy sound, along with a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers a deep and rich thocky sound, with a lower-pitched and mellow tone. While there is no information available about the feel of the LT switch, it is expected to provide a seamless glide with every keystroke. If you are seeking a heavy and tactile typing experience, the Box Navy switch is an excellent choice. If you prefer a smooth and deep sound with a linear switch, the Gazzew LT may be more suitable.
Conclusion
To conclude, 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. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother, more linear typing experience with a deep, resonant thockiness, then the Gazzew LT switches would be a great choice. With their enticing lilac hue, the LT switches offer an auditory symphony that is both satisfying and immersive. While the Box Navy switches provide a resonant and crunchy sound profile, the LT switches offer a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Box Navy switches deliver a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, while the LT switches do not have specific descriptors mentioned in terms of feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and the Gazzew LT linear switches depends on your personal preference for typing experience, sound, and feel.
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