Kailh Box Navy vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out as unique options catering to different preferences. The Box Navy is perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage keyboards. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver is tailored for gamers seeking maximum speed and responsiveness, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance. While the Box Navy offers a sharp and crunchy typing experience, the Speed Silver provides a smooth and quick response. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housings, the top housings differ significantly. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the difference in sound characteristics between the two switches.
When it comes to aesthetics, the material of the top housing plays a crucial role in the overall look of the switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy is translucent, making it a great choice for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. This allows for a visually appealing lighting effect to complement the crisp sound profile of the switch. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing may not provide the same level of translucency, but it still offers a classic look that is durable and functional. Additionally, the varying sound profiles generated by the different top housings contribute to the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences based on sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and the Cherry MX Speed Silver hinges on personal preference when it comes to sound profiles and aesthetics. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper sound profile, the difference in top housing materials significantly impacts the overall typing experience. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Whether preferring a more resonant and clear sound or a duller and rounder sound, the housing materials of these switches cater to different preferences and needs in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it becomes evident that they offer different experiences for users. The Box Navy switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, which is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Box Navy switch also has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing feedback compared to the MX Speed Silver switch, which has an unknown bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference, with the Box Navy offering a heavier typing experience and the MX Speed Silver providing a lighter touch for typing.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance category, with the Box Navy being slightly longer. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Cherry MX Speed Silver due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Kailh Box Navy. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches, providing quick and responsive keystrokes for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and a sharp, clean click reminiscent of vintage keyboards. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep, rich tone that is satisfying to the ears. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, but the Box Navy leans towards a crisp click while the MX Speed Silver offers a more mellow sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is sharp, invigorating, and stiff, providing a strong tactile bump and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate. This creates a satisfying typing sensation with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, offering noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users for a unique typing experience. While the Box Navy offers a more intense tactile feedback, the MX Speed Silver focuses on providing a smoother typing feel with its textured surface.
Overall, if you value a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and sharp feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid response and a smooth typing feel with a deep, satisfying sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your priorities and preferences. If you prioritize a heavy typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback and love the sound of clicky switches, then the Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for lightning-fast response times and a smooth, linear action for gaming or fast typing, the MX Speed Silver switches are a better fit. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing style, preferences, and intended use for the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing experience and performance requirements.
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