Kailh Box Navy vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique typing experiences are the Kailh Box Navy and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). If you're someone who enjoys a heavy typing experience and loves the sound and tactility of a clicky switch, the Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. With their heftiness and sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, these switches provide a satisfying crunch and stiffness while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile feel, the Moyu Blacks are the way to go. Featuring a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, these switches offer a rare and premium typing experience. With a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, the Moyu Blacks create a hypertactile sensation. The downstroke produces a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound, while the medium-heavy feel and accentuated bottom-out contribute to a distinctive and impactful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) Tactile

$5.50 per 10

$12.00

$7.59 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ significantly. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing. PBT is a relatively unseen material for switch housings and offers a neutral sound profile. It lacks the crispness of polycarbonate but is not dull either.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Box Navy employs a nylon material. Nylon is seen as a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT bottom housing, which again offers a neutral sound profile. While the nylon bottom housing of the Box Navy adds impact to the bottom-out sound, the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) maintains a consistent sound profile.

Considering the impact of the different housing materials, the Box Navy and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will provide distinct typing experiences. The Box Navy will have a sharper and crisper sound profile when pressing down on the keys due to its polycarbonate top housing. The nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) with its PBT top and bottom housing offers a more neutral sound profile throughout the typing experience. However, both switches ensure a satisfying sound when releasing the keys, with the top housing material playing a greater role in this aspect. Therefore, while there are differences in the housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of an overall satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Navy switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Moyu Black switch requires only 50 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Navy switch requires a heavier force of 90 grams, compared to the Moyu Black switch's 67 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Moyu Black switch would be a better option as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions as it reduces fatigue. On the other hand, the Box Navy switch provides a stronger key press feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. This makes it ideal for individuals who prefer a heavier actuation force and a more pronounced tactile response.

It is important to consider personal preferences and the intended usage when selecting between these two switches. Additionally, if a lighter actuation force and bottom out force are desired, the Moyu Black switch offers similar results to the Box Navy switch, albeit with slightly lighter forces.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter compared to the Moyu Black's 4 mm travel distance. The Box Navy falls on the shallow end of the spectrum, while the Moyu Black is closer to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. This means that if you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Box Navy would be a better choice. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances to improve their reaction speed. However, if you prefer a deeper key press and a more substantial feel, the Moyu Black with its longer travel distance would be the preferable option. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what kind of typing or gaming experience you are seeking. Regardless, both switches offer their own unique characteristics for a satisfying typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. The sound is reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch also offers a resonant sound profile that is clean and sharp. Although the specific sound characteristics of this switch are not mentioned, it is likely that it would provide a similar high-pitched sound like the Box Navy. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both switches provide a sharp tactile feedback. The Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its strong and crisp tactile bump, which can be felt distinctly with each keypress. This switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force, ensuring a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, it can be considered a stiff switch, as it requires more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, described as an accented tactile feel. Like the Box Navy, this switch also provides a sharp tactile bump that delivers high feedback intensity, resulting in an engaging typing experience.

Considering all the available information, both switches offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box Navy switch excels in providing a heavy typing experience with a vintage sound signature, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch offers a rare and premium typing experience with a sharp tactile sensation. Although the specific sound characteristics of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch are not mentioned, based on their resonant sound profile, it is reasonable to assume that they would provide a similar higher-pitched sound like the Box Navy. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired.

Conclusion

To sum up, 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 hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile feel and a distinctive and impactful typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are the way to go. With their medium-heavy feel and an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, these switches offer a rare and premium typing experience. In terms of sound, both switches provide a resonant and clean sound profile, but the Box Navy switches have an additional crunchy element associated with clicky switches. In terms of feel, both switches have a sharp tactile bump, but the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches also offer an accented feel for a prominent yet not overwhelming tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches depends on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) Tactile

$12.00

$7.59 per 10

Learn more