Kailh Box Navy vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience and a satisfying clicky sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches might be perfect for you. Reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, these switches provide a distinctive heftiness and sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler typing experience and appreciate a tactile switch with a softer touch, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are an excellent choice. With their gentle and seductive tactility, these switches offer a more subdued sound profile. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Kailh Box Navy and the SP-Star Meteor Orange have different top housing materials. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Meteor Orange uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Therefore, those looking for a switch with a more clear and resonant sound may prefer the Kailh Box Navy with its polycarbonate top housing, while those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the SP-Star Meteor Orange with its nylon top housing.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the Kailh Box Navy and the SP-Star Meteor Orange feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, which creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities when typing on either the Box Navy or the Meteor Orange due to the shared nylon bottom housing. However, it's important to note that the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
In summary, the Kailh Box Navy and the SP-Star Meteor Orange differ in their top housing materials. The Box Navy boasts a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, creating a similar sound experience when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for either a clear and resonant sound (Box Navy) or a deeper and fuller sound (Meteor Orange).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Navy has a relatively heavier actuation force of 60 grams, meaning a firmer push is required to initiate a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Meteor Orange switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Box Navy again proves to be heavier with a force of 90 grams. This indicates that the keys need to be pressed firmly until they bottom out. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange has a comparatively lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a softer landing when pressing the keys all the way down. These variations in force can greatly impact the typing experience for individuals. Those seeking a lighter switch may find the Meteor Orange more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without strain. Conversely, those who prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier forces provided by the Box Navy. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and specific needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Meteor Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience.
The Meteor Orange with its 4 mm travel distance falls on the more traditional side of switch travel distances. This longer travel distance can provide a deeper key press and a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing or gaming experience. The longer travel distance allows for a smoother and more gradual key press, which can be more comfortable for some users.
On the other hand, the Box Navy's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm may appeal to gamers or typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. The shorter travel distance enables quicker key presses, resulting in faster response times. This can be advantageous in gaming scenarios where every split second matters, as well as for typists who need to quickly move between keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. If a shorter travel distance is preferred for faster response times, the Box Navy is the better option. However, if a deeper and more satisfying key press is desired, the SP-Star Meteor Orange with its longer travel distance would be the preferred choice. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer their own unique benefits and will result in a satisfactory typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 clicky switch offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. In contrast, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile. With a moderate sound profile, these switches are suitable for most purposes. The Meteor Orange switch also produces a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp and invigorating tactile experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress offers a high feedback intensity. These switches are known for their stiff feel, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a milder and more gentle typing experience. With a safe middle-ground zone, these switches offer a comfortable feel that is approachable to most users. They also feature a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Overall, if you prefer a heavy typing experience with a resonant sound and sharp feedback, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a softer and more gentle typing experience with a neutral sound profile and smooth key travel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch would be a better fit. Both switches have their own unique qualities and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on individual taste. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, 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 prefer a more gentle and seductive typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are a great choice. They offer a soft and satisfying tactility, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The Box Navy switches have a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, while the Meteor Orange switches have a neutral and thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying thud. As for feel, the Box Navy switches provide sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy intense feedback and a reactive typing sensation. The Meteor Orange switches, on the other hand, offer a mild and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you prefer heavy, clicky switches with a vintage feel (Box Navy) or a more gentle and refined typing experience with moderate tactility (Meteor Orange).
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