Kailh Box Navy vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it's clear that they offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the satisfying clicky sound reminiscent of vintage keyboards, with descriptors such as 'Sharp', 'Resonant', and 'Crunchy'. On the other hand, the Dareu Master offers a medium weight typing feel with a smooth operation and a classic clacky sound, categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeals, making it important to further explore their characteristics beyond the general descriptions in order to determine the best fit for your personal typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Dareu Master switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness, making it resonate clearly. In contrast, the Master's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their top housing materials, with the Box Navy emphasizing clarity and the Master focusing on a deeper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, the Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Master's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the top housing largely impacts the sound when pressing and letting go of a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their bottom housing materials, with the Box Navy emphasizing a fuller sound and the Master providing a muted tone.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box Navy and the Dareu Master switches differ in material, they both contribute to creating a pleasing and unique sound profile. The split characteristics between the top and bottom housings offer a balance in sound quality when typing on the switches. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and crispness, its nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. Similarly, the Master's POM top and bottom housing combination offers a deep and muted sound profile that provides a distinct typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a combination of qualities that cater to different preferences in sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Master has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. The bottom out force for the Master is unknown, but it is likely to be lighter than the Box Navy due to the lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a heavier, more tactile typing experience or a lighter, more effortless one.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Master switch for its fast and precise actuation. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Navy switch for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on whether a shorter or slightly longer travel distance is preferred for typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, offering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of vintage keyboards. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy providing a more robust and tactile click while the Master offers a classic clacky sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Box Navy switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, providing a highly tactile and intense typing experience with a prominent tactile bump. In contrast, the Dareu Master switch offers a milder and more polished feel, with smooth key travel and a more gentle typing experience. The Master switch's characteristics fall into a middle-ground zone, making it approachable to a wider range of users who prefer a smoother and more refined typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Dareu Master linear switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy excels in providing a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, coupled with sharp and stiff tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch offers a medium weight linear option with a clacky sound and smooth, polished feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each individual user is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy and tactile typing experience with a distinct clicky sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. The sharp and invigorating feel combined with the resonant and crunchy sound profile makes for a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a medium weight and a clacky sound signature, then the Dareu Master linear switches would be more suitable for you. The mild and polished feel of the Master switches offers a more gentle and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Navy clicky switch and the Dareu Master linear switch comes down to your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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