Kailh Box Navy vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience and a satisfying clicky sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. These switches exude a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. Categorized as sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff, the Box Navy switches provide a unique and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a more subdued and subtle typing experience. With a relatively light typing feel and gentle tactility, these switches provide a quieter and less pronounced audio feedback compared to the Box Navy switches. Categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the MX Brown switches allow for a more discreet and relaxed typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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 Cherry MX Brown switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches have a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. This means that when typing on either switch, the bottom-out sound and feel will have similar characteristics. However, the Kailh Box Navy has a polycarbonate top housing, while the Cherry MX Brown has a nylon top housing.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Kailh Box Navy creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality. In addition, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it compatible with RGB lighting for an aesthetically pleasing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While it may not have the same level of clarity as the Kailh Box Navy, it still offers a satisfying typing experience, especially for those who prefer a fuller sound.
It is worth noting that the differences in top and bottom housing materials affect the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the qualities brought by the different housing materials will be divided between the top and bottom, creating a unique typing experience for each switch. Ultimately, both the Kailh Box Navy and the Cherry MX Brown switches offer their own set of characteristics, allowing users to choose according to their preferences in sound profile and aesthetic compatibility with RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there is a significant difference in weight. The Box Navy switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a stronger push for keystrokes to register. In contrast, the MX Brown switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for easier and quicker keystrokes. Additionally, the Box Navy switch has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, resulting in a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more gentle and comfortable typing experience. It is worth noting that for individuals who prefer a lighter weight, both switches offer suitable options. However, those seeking a more robust typing experience should opt for the Kailh Box Navy switch due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we find that the Box Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the MX Brown falls into the traditional range, while the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Navy caters to a preference for faster response times, especially among gamers. Opting for the Box Navy switch would provide a more responsive feel, whereas the MX Brown switch would offer a deeper and more substantial keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for either a shorter, snappier keystroke or a longer, more substantial one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. The sound of these switches can be compared to the satisfying sensation of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer audio feedback during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The MX Brown switches provide a more subdued and mellow tone, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The high feedback intensity of the Box Navy switches creates an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the actuation force required to press these switches is relatively higher compared to other switches, providing a satisfying resistance and requiring a bit more force when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is known for its textured feel. These switches have noticeable friction when pressed, offering a slightly scratchy sensation. While some users prefer this subtle texture, others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch provide distinct subjective qualities. The Box Navy switch is best suited for those seeking a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile. The sharp and invigorating tactile feedback adds to the immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch offers a lighter typing experience with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. The textured feel of these switches provides a slightly scratchy sensation. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, and the choice between them depends on personal preference. However, if you enjoy the heavy typing experience and clicky sound signature of the Box Navy switch, you may be able to achieve similar results with the MX Brown switch by using keycaps and a keyboard setup that enhance the sound and feel.
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 hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. The Box Navy switches offer a resonant and crunchy sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. In terms of feel, they have a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile bump, creating an intense and reactive typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches are the better choice for you. They offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. The MX Brown switches have a textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users for a more controlled typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switches depends on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Consider whether you enjoy the heavy and clicky nature of the Box Navy switches or prefer the lighter and subtler feel of the MX Browns. Experimenting with different switches will help you discover the perfect fit for your typing needs.
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