Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Box Navy is a clicky switch that offers a heavy typing experience and a sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that provides a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while still maintaining a frictionless typing feel that Gateron switches are known for. If you are someone who enjoys the invigorating crunchiness and heftiness of a clicky switch, the Box Navy is the perfect fit for you. However, if you prefer a polished and creamy typing experience with a seamless glide, the New North Pole V2 is worth considering. Now that we have covered the generalities, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch so you can make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron New North Pole V2 share similar characteristics as they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enables the switches to enhance RGB lighting effects if used. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities and aesthetic advantages when using either switch with RGB lighting.
Where these two switches differ, however, is in their bottom housing materials. The Box Navy incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the fact that nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing's sound characteristics by providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be most noticeable. The choice of bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the use of nylon in the Box Navy will provide a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2. However, the sound when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing material. Therefore, the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches ensures a more clear and resonant sound when letting go of a key.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron New North Pole V2 share similar advantages with their polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile while allowing for enhanced RGB lighting effects. They differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Box Navy benefitting from a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, while the New North Pole V2 employs a polycarbonate bottom housing to complement the top housing's sound characteristics. Understanding the impact of the top and bottom housings on sound and feel will help users determine which switch is better suited to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Navy has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the New North Pole V2, which requires only 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Box Navy has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, while the New North Pole V2 has a lower bottom out force of 62.5 grams.
The weight of a switch is important to consider based on individual preferences and needs. For individuals who prefer a lighter feel, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can be advantageous for those who type for extended periods of time or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can be preferred by individuals who desire a stronger push and a more tactile typing feel.
While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, it is worth noting that the New North Pole V2 still provides a similar typing experience to the Box Navy, albeit with lighter force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel for their keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear that the Box Navy has a shorter distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a longer distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered standard, while 3.0 mm is on the shallower end. However, there has been a rise in popularity for shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy would be the preferred option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys may prefer the longer travel distance offered by the New North Pole V2. Ultimately, the decision will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best known for its heavy typing experience and vintage sound signature. When typing on a Box Navy switch, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The sound is resonant, clean, and sharp, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. It has a crunchy feel, similar to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The tactile feedback is sharp and prominent, providing intense feedback with each keypress. The Box Navy switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, making it a stiff switch that requires more force when pressing the keys.
On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a crisper typing experience compared to its predecessor. It no longer has a rubber dampener, resulting in a removal of any damping effect and providing a sleek and polished typing experience. The switch has a polished and frictionless feel, with smooth and refined key travel. With the New North Pole V2, you can expect reduced friction, a seamless glide, and a smooth buttery typing experience. The linear nature of this switch means there is no tactile bump or click, resulting in a smooth and silent typing experience. Unfortunately, there isn't any specific information available regarding the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 switch.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Box Navy switch provides a heavy and tactile typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile. It is known for its vintage feel and intense feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch offers a crisper typing experience with a polished and frictionless feel. It provides a seamless glide and a smooth buttery typing experience, but information regarding its sound profile is not available. If you prefer a heavy and tactile typing experience with a vintage sound, the Box Navy switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a smooth and refined typing experience with no tactile feedback, the New North Pole V2 switch would be an excellent option.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and enjoy the sound and feel of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 90 grams, which provides a satisfying level of resistance. The Box Navy switches are known for their vintage buckling keyboard feel and have a resonant and crunchy sound profile. In terms of feel, they offer a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches are a great choice. With a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, these switches offer a frictionless and polished feel, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys. They have a creamy and frictionless sound profile, and the removal of the rubber dampener ensures a crisper typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for heaviness, sound, and feel. Consider your typing style and the overall experience you desire when choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch.
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