Kailh Box Navy vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the Haimu Neo White offer distinct typing experiences to cater to different preferences. If you are someone who enjoys a heavy typing experience with a satisfying sound signature and tactile feedback, the clicky Kailh Box Navy switches would be an ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more linear typing feel with medium weight and reduced total travel, the Haimu Neo White switches may be more suited to your liking. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Haimu Neo White are quite similar, both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Neo White also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect on sound quality.
Despite their similarities in having a polycarbonate top housing, the Kailh Box Navy and the Haimu Neo White differ in their overall sound profiles due to their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Navy contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the Neo White's nylon bottom housing also aids in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material affects the typing experience on these switches, with the sound and feel of key presses being influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. The Box Navy and Neo White switches demonstrate how varying housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of both top and bottom housing materials for sound quality.
In summary, the Kailh Box Navy and the Haimu Neo White switches share a polycarbonate top housing that results in a sharp, high-pitched sound profile perfect for RGB lighting setups. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches distinguishes their sound profiles, with the Box Navy producing a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's absorption properties, while the Neo White offers a similar effect for a rounded sound quality. The combination of different housing materials in these switches showcases how the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of key presses, providing a diverse typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, whose actuation force is unknown. This means that the Box Navy requires more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Navy is heavier with a force of 90 grams compared to the Neo White's 58 grams. This indicates that the Box Navy requires more force to fully press the key down compared to the Neo White. In terms of weight, the Box Navy is heavier overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Neo White may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key using these switches, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similar travel distance ensures that users will get comparable results in terms of key press feel and responsiveness. Therefore, whether using the Box Navy clicky switch or the Neo White linear switch, you can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70.
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 clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy auditory experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and clean, sharp tones reminiscent of vintage keyboards. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes and preferences. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a more immersive and intense sound experience or a more versatile and moderate sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Box Navy clicky switch is characterized by its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, offering a highly pronounced and immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. If you prefer a switch with a strong tactile feedback and firm actuation force, the Box Navy switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a more gentle and subtle typing feel, the Neo White switch would be more suitable.
Overall, both the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Box Navy switch provides a heavier typing experience with a distinct sound and tactile feedback, the Neo White switch offers a smoother and more moderate typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or prefer a more subtle and gentle typing experience. It is important to consider all these factors and test out both switches to determine which one best suits your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a heavy typing experience with a distinct clicky sound and strong tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. The vintage feel and pronounced keystroke sensation of the Box Navy switches make them a popular option among enthusiasts looking for a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and slightly lighter typing feel with a neutral sound profile, the Haimu Neo White linear switches would be more suitable for your preferences. The Neo White switches offer a comfortable and versatile typing experience that can cater to a wider range of users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience and enjoy a satisfying keyboard journey.
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