Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Neptune offer distinct experiences for users with different preferences. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a pronounced sound signature and tactile feedback, the clicky Box Navy switches are a perfect match for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience with a unique springy resistance, the linear TTC Neptune switches are the way to go. While the Box Navy is described as sharp, resonant, and crunchy, the Neptune is characterized as buttery, gummy, and low-pitched. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Neptune, we see a key difference in their top housings. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiff nature leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Neptune utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing offers a brighter sound, the Neptune's POM top housing provides a unique and pleasingly deeper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings, we observe another difference between the two switches. The Box Navy boasts a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Neptune features a polycarbonate bottom housing, echoing the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile of its top housing. This creates a clear and resonant sound, contributing to the overall auditory experience of the switch.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Neptune both offer unique sound profiles, their housing materials play a significant role in shaping their individual characteristics. The Box Navy's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings contributes to a clear and sharp sound profile, especially suitable for those interested in RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the Neptune's combination of POM and polycarbonate housings results in a deeper and more muted sound, providing a distinct auditory experience for users. Each switch's choice of housing material influences factors such as sound pitch, resonance, and overall typing feel, catering to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it becomes evident that they differ significantly in terms of weight. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Neptune boasts a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. The difference in weight between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the Box Navy appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Neptune is ideal for individuals seeking a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether one values a heavier or lighter force for their keyboard usage.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Neptune has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Navy. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Box Navy offering a slightly shorter travel distance for those who prefer quicker feedback, and the Neptune providing a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, characterized by a high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switch provides a low-pitched and muted sound, creating a refined and unobtrusive auditory ambiance. While the Box Navy switch delivers a sharp and immersive sound, the Neptune switch offers a more subdued and thocky typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Box Navy switch is sharp, invigorating, and stiff, providing a tactile typing experience with a prominent and crisp tactile bump. In contrast, the TTC Neptune switch offers a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and uniform typing sensation with minimal resistance or friction. While the Box Navy switch offers a strong and reactive feel, the Neptune switch provides a gentle and approachable typing experience that is effortlessly fluid.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a heavy and tactile typing experience with a sharp sound profile, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing sensation with a muted sound profile, the TTC Neptune switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and selecting the right one ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. Whichever switch you choose, ensure that it is compatible with your keyboard and keycap setup to achieve the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider the specific qualities you are looking for in your typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a loud, resonant sound profile and a sharp tactile feedback, then the Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a muted, low-pitched sound and a smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Neptune switches are a better fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Mentioned in this article
