Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer two distinct experiences. If you prefer a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, the Box Navy switches are an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and budget-friendly typing experience with a low-pitched "thock" sound, the Milky Red Pro switches may be more suitable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
52g
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both feature nylon bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic. However, the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in top housing materials results in a different sound experience when pressing down and releasing a key for each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch when paired with lighting effects. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing does not offer the same translucency for RGB lighting, but it provides a classic and timeless look to the switch. Both housing materials have their own unique visual characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of design and style.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Navy and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) differ in their top housing materials, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality ensures that both switches offer a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. However, the contrasting top housing materials result in a distinct sound experience for each switch, with the Box Navy providing a sharper and crisper sound and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offering a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Box Navy is heavier in both aspects. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a firm and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. While both switches offer different levels of weight, the Box Navy provides a heavier typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a lighter touch for extended use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Box Navy has the shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Red Pro (KS-3). Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the Box Navy with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, producing a sharp and clean high-pitched sound that harkens back to vintage keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switch provides a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. While both switches offer distinctive sound profiles, the Box Navy is more high-pitched and crunchy, while the Milky Red Pro is more bass-heavy and thocky.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switch offers a buttery and smooth keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Box Navy switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, while the Milky Red Pro switch offers a lighter and smoother typing experience. Both switches provide distinct tactile feedback, with the Box Navy being more intense and the Milky Red Pro offering a smoother feel.
In conclusion, if you prefer a heavy and tactile typing experience with a sharp and crunchy sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a smooth and buttery typing feel with a bassy and thocky sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so experimentation may be needed to achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a loud clicky sound, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more budget-friendly typing experience with a soft "thock" sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches are the better choice. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and overall keyboarding style.
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