Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Miaowu offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a robust and clicky typing experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Miaowu provides a smoother keystroke action with enhanced stem stability, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a bouncy and clacky feel while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Miaowu switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their relatively stiffer plastic composition. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the implementation of RGB lighting, adding a colorful and customizable aesthetic to the switches.
In contrast, both switches also utilize nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This choice of material for the bottom housing helps dampen the sound and impact when pressing down on the switch, creating a more muted typing experience compared to switches with harder bottom housings.
Overall, while both switches share similar top and bottom housing materials, the Kailh Box Navy and KTT Miaowu switches may offer slightly different typing experiences due to the specific qualities of their individual components. The Kailh Box Navy may provide a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate top housing, while the KTT Miaowu may offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing. However, both switches ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience through their choice of housing materials, catering to the preferences of different users.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the KTT Miaowu linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Box Navy requires 90 grams, while the Miaowu only needs 50 grams. The Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Miaowu offers a lighter typing experience, which is suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches have different weight profiles, and users can choose based on their preference for actuation and bottom out force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the KTT Miaowu linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While the Box Navy offers a tad more travel distance, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they both provide a satisfying keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that harks back to vintage buckling keyboards of the past. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer distinct auditory profiles, with the Box Navy leaning towards a more traditional clicky sound while the Miaowu delivers a sharp and snappy experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch boasts a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile bump that provides a strong feedback intensity and a crisp typing sensation. On the contrary, the KTT Miaowu switch offers a bouncy feel with a spring-like feedback that gives a lively rebound when pressed. While the Box Navy switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, the Miaowu switch provides a more responsive and elastic typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a vintage clicky sound, the Box Navy switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke action with a sharp and percussive sound, the Miaowu switch may be more up your alley. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a clicky sound, then the Box Navy switches are a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth keystroke action and a quieter sound, then the Miaowu switches would be more suitable. Consider the feel, sound, and overall typing experience you are looking for to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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