Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Mountain Top 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 Mountain Top offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. If you value a heavy typing experience with a loud and tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. Their sharp and invigorating clicky sound signature, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, is sure to please those who enjoy a crunchy and stiff typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are tailored for office environments, providing a quiet and subtle typing experience that is perfect for professional settings. With their bouncy and easy-to-press feel, these switches offer a mild and snappy actuation that is both neutral and comfortable. 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Mountain Top, we see that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing of both switches will contribute to a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out, creating a unique typing experience for users of either switch.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Kailh Box Navy stands out with its polycarbonate material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with clear housings, especially for those looking to utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top features a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound, but with a duller and rounder tone compared to the polycarbonate of the Box Navy. This difference in top housing material will result in a distinct sound and feel when typing on each switch.
In summary, while both the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Mountain Top switches feature a nylon bottom housing that provides a deep and full sound profile, their top housing materials set them apart. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy delivers a sharp and crisp sound, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience with RGB lighting capabilities. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top offers a deeper sound with a duller tone, catering to users who prefer a softer and rounder typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch in terms of actuation and bottom out force, there is a clear difference in weight. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods of time. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Mountain Top switch more suitable, while users who enjoy a heavier feel may opt for the Box Navy switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Box Navy has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0mm, making them ideal for users looking for faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of these switches. However, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may find the slightly longer 3.6mm travel distance of the Box Navy to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance.
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 Mountain Top 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
The Kailh Box Navy switch is renowned for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, offering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience that harks back to vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a neutral sound profile that balances a subdued sound signature with a comfortably light actuation, perfect for discreet typing in professional settings. While the Box Navy offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feel with a strong and crisp tactile bump, the Mountain Top switch delivers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing experience with a gentle resistance and lively rebound sensation. In conclusion, if you prefer a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound, along with sharp and stiff tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the ideal choice. Conversely, if you seek a quiet yet light actuation with a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is the perfect fit for discreet office environments. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a loud clicky sound, the Box Navy switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you work in a professional setting and require a quieter, lighter typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences and needs to enhance your typing experience.
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