Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience and a satisfying sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy is the perfect choice for you. These clicky switches not only provide a vintage feel reminiscent of buckling keyboards from the 80s, but they also offer a sharp and invigorating tactility. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the ideal switch for you. Known for its smoothness and buttery goodness, this linear switch produces a low-pitched and "thocky" sound that is incredibly satisfying. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
62g
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 housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon as the material. This shared characteristic provides a similar acoustic experience in terms of depth and fullness. Nylon's ability to absorb sound allows for a richer and more satisfying typing experience. As a relatively softer plastic, nylon contributes to the creation of a duller and rounder sound profile in both switches.
It is worth noting that the differences in top and bottom housings lead to distinct sound experiences when typing. Pressing down on either switch will offer the qualities of the respective bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. At the same time, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisper sound, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with its nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound upon key release.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) contribute to different sound profiles. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with its nylon top housing generates a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a common depth and fullness in the typing experience. However, the differences in top and bottom housings play a significant role in the specific sound produced when pressing down or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we see notable differences. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro requires a lighter 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Navy is heavier at 90 grams, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro has a more moderate bottom out force of 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro would be the preferable choice as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for individuals who spend long periods of time typing, whether it be for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can be appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing.
Overall, the weight of the switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. It affects the typing experience and can determine how comfortable and efficient one's typing sessions will be. While the Box Navy offers a heavier feel, the Milky Yellow Pro is lighter, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Milky Yellow Pro has a traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is commonly found in many switches. On the other hand, the Box Navy offers a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.6 mm. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy, as it allows for quicker key presses. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. In this case, the Milky Yellow Pro with its longer travel distance may be a better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is renowned for its resonant and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches will provide a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, resembling the experience of typing on vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound. The sound produced by these switches is characterized by a deeper and richer tone, often described as thocky, which can be compared to a satisfyingly deep "thud" or a soft "knock". However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp and invigorating tactile experience. These switches offer a high feedback intensity and have a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. They require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, giving them a stiff feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro switch offers a buttery and textured feel. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Some users prefer the subtle texture that these switches offer, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Navy is best suited for those seeking a heavy typing experience, with a resonant and crunchy sound profile and a sharp and invigorating tactile feel. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is a versatile switch that excels both in gaming and typing, providing a bassy and low-pitched sound along with a buttery and textured feel. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. It's important to consider that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, 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 reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards make for an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the way to go. With its smooth and buttery keystrokes, it offers a satisfyingly thick resistance and a low-pitched, thocky sound. Ultimately, your choice depends on your preference for heavier typing and clicky feedback versus a smooth, budget-friendly typing experience.
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