Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience and embraces the nostalgic sound signature and tactility of clicky switches, then the Kailh Box Navy is a perfect fit for you. These switches evoke the feel of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s and are categorized as sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff. On the other hand, if you are drawn to eye-catching features and prefer a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola may be your ideal choice. These switches not only glow in the dark, adding a unique aesthetic to your keyboard, but also possess a medium heft and a hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. Categorized as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished, the Gateron Luciola switches offer a different typing experience altogether. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Gateron Luciola Linear

$5.50 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and Gateron Luciola switches have distinct differences. The Box Navy uses a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Luciola employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Although not overly sharp, it is described as clacky and satisfying.

Contrasting the bottom housings, the Box Navy features a nylon material, which is considered a classic choice for switch housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is relatively softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Meanwhile, the Luciola utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, creating a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Described as clacky, the INK blend contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch.

It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the feel and sound will be influenced more by the bottom housing, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Although the Kailh Box Navy and Gateron Luciola differ in their housing materials, they both aim to deliver a distinctive and satisfying typing experience, albeit with varying sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Luciola requires slightly less force with an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Navy is considerably heavier at 90 grams compared to the Luciola's 60 grams.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Luciola more suitable, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for smoother and easier keystrokes. This is beneficial for individuals who type for long periods, such as during work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Navy's heavier forces provide a more substantial push feel, offering a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile response.

In terms of similarities, both switches require a force to trigger a keystroke, with the Luciola having a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Box Navy. However, it is important to note that if one desires a similar actuation force as the Box Navy, the Luciola may not provide the exact same result. Similarly, while the Luciola's bottom out force is lower than that of the Box Navy, the two switches still differ in terms of the force required for maximum depression.

In summary, the Box Navy clicky switch is heavier in both actuation force and bottom out force, providing a more intense, tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola linear switch offers a lighter and smoother typing experience, making it ideal for extended use. Ultimately, the preference for lighter or heavier forces will determine the better choice between these two switches.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users will have a similar tactile experience and feel when typing or gaming with either switch. Whether you choose the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch or the Gateron Luciola linear switch, you can expect the same comfortable and satisfying key press feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best known for its heavy typing experience and the vintage sound signature it brings. When typing on a Box Navy switch, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. The sound is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, creating an immersive auditory experience. The tactile feel of the Box Navy switch is sharp and intense, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, resulting in a stiff typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a medium heft and offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, described as a crisp, bright, and percussive clacky sound. The Luciola switch also has a unique chirp, adding to its distinctive acoustic signature. Overall, if you prefer a heavy and tactile typing experience with a vintage sound profile, the Box Navy switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a smoother and snappier typing feel with a clacky sound, the Gateron Luciola switch would be a suitable option. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound and feel of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s will provide a satisfying and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium heft switch with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, and enjoy eye-catching glow-in-the-dark switches, then the Gateron Luciola linear switches are a great choice. Their unique sound profile, described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched, along with their snappy and polished feel, make for an enjoyable and fluid typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Luciola switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more