Kailh Box Navy vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and an invigorating sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. Reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, these switches offer a unique tactility and a crunchy, resonant feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued typing experience with a gentle pitter-patter sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switches are a great choice. These switches are easy to push and offer a soft and polished feel. Both switches have their own charm and advantages, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the SP-Star Meteor White switches differ in terms of material composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Meteor White features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. While both materials provide distinct sound profiles, it is important to note that polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from this classic switch housing material, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound. However, with the bottom housing being the primary contributor to the bottom-out sound and feel, there may be slight differences in sensitivity and feedback between the Kailh Box Navy and the SP-Star Meteor White keyboards.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the SP-Star Meteor White switches vary when it comes to the top housing, with the former utilizing polycarbonate and the latter featuring nylon. This results in different sound profiles, with polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound, while nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar typing experience in terms of sound. The nuances in sound, sensitivity, and feedback between the switches can be attributed to the differing qualities each housing material brings to the overall construction of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams, while the Meteor White's actuation force is unfortunately not available. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy requires a heavier 90 grams, whereas the Meteor White has a relatively lighter bottom out force of 57 grams.
Considering weight is important for keyboard users, as preferences may vary. Those who prefer a lighter feel might lean towards the Meteor White, as it allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel, the Box Navy's heavier forces may be more suitable.
Although the specific actuation force of the Meteor White is unknown, if it happens to be close to the Box Navy's 60 grams, users may expect similar results in terms of actuation force. However, the Box Navy still remains the heavier option when it comes to bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Meteor White has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Navy falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Its shorter travel distance allows for quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more satisfying depth to each keystroke. Some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy too abrupt, while others may appreciate its responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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 crunchy experience. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound profile that is reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. The sound is higher-pitched and immersive, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a more subdued sound profile. Described as neutral and thocky, this switch offers a gentle and pitter-patter sound when pressed. It produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, like a soft "thud" or a gentle "knock." The sound profile is moderate and suitable for various purposes, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and advanced users.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff characteristics. Each keypress offers a strong and crisp tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity. This switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, resulting in a more intense typing experience.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished feel. The typing experience is gentle and approachable, suitable for most users. The smooth and refined finish of the switch, whether due to materials or factory lubing, ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is ideal for those seeking a heavy typing experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. It offers a satisfying tactile bump and requires a higher amount of force to actuate.
However, if a softer and gentler typing experience is what you're after, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a great choice. It provides a moderate sound profile and offers a smooth and polished feel. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, 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. These switches have a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a satisfyingly hefty feel with each keypress. The Box Navy switches offer a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, which can create an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the sharp and invigorating tactile bump gives a prominent feedback and an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and subdued typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switches are a great choice. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, these switches are lighter and easier to push. The Meteor White switches have a neutral sound profile with a thocky, deep "thud" sound, providing a pleasing auditory experience. The mild and polished feel of these switches ensures a comfortable and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and SP-Star Meteor White switches depends on your preference for heaviness, sound profile, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
