Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch to the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is important to note the distinct differences in their characteristics and intended uses. The Box Navy is perfect for individuals who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the satisfying clicky sound that hearkens back to vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Mini i offers a more subtle and gentle tactility, making it ideal for office settings where a quieter typing experience is preferred. While the Box Navy is sharp, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy, the Mini i is bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, subtle, and stepped. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Mini i both feature nylon housing materials in their bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics, creating a unique typing experience. However, the Box Navy uses polycarbonate in its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches where RGB lighting is a priority.
On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience with a deep and full sound profile throughout. While the Mini i may lack the sharpness and clarity of the polycarbonate top housing in the Box Navy, the nylon material offers a smoother and more rounded sound overall. This makes the Mini i a great choice for those who prefer a more traditional switch housing material for a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Mini i ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Box Navy offers a unique blend of sharpness and depth in sound, while the all-nylon construction of the Mini i provides a more consistent typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in a switch when making your decision.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 60 grams, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, making the Mini i lighter in this aspect. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy requires 90 grams of force compared to the Mini i's 50 grams, indicating that the Box Navy is heavier when it comes to bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Gateron Mini i more appealing for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it has lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, those looking for a more robust typing experience may lean towards the Kailh Box Navy for its heavier forces, providing a more substantial and tactile feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Gateron Mini i slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Kailh Box Navy. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is favored by gamers for its quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience for individuals who are sensitive to such nuances. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00.
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 switch offers a crunchy and resonant experience with a high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage keyboards, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between volume and tactile satisfaction, ideal for professional settings where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Both switches will offer a satisfying sound depending on your preference, with the Box Navy being more crisp and resonant, while the Mini i is more neutral and toned down.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback that is distinct and intense with each keystroke, enhancing the typing experience with a strong tactile bump. Conversely, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped tactile sensation that provides a lively and responsive typing feel while reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with the Box Navy being more forceful and prominent in its feedback, while the Mini i is more gentle and easy on the fingers.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a sharp and resonant sound along with a strong tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more subtle and comfortable typing experience with a lighter sound profile and gentle tactile feedback, the Gateron Mini i switch is the better choice. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring a delightful typing experience for all users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. If you prefer a heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and resonant sound, along with sharp tactile feedback, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a lighter typing feel with a more muted sound profile and gentle tactility, the Gateron Mini i switches are a better choice, especially for office settings where quiet professionalism is key. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience and sound profile best suit your preferences and environment.
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