Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and boasts the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a reminiscent feel of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, with their heftiness and distinct sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gummy and smooth typing experience, the Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch, might be the best fit for you. With a deep and muted sound profile and a satisfyingly chewy typing feel, these switches provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these general characteristics so that you can make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron North Pole V2 both feature polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in these housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In addition, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for RGB lighting purposes. Therefore, both switches provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their top housings.
However, the housing materials differ in the bottom housings of these switches. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on the switches with the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 contributes to the overall sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a noticeable difference between the two switches.
Overall, the differences between the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron North Pole V2 lie primarily in the types of materials used in the bottom housing. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings with similar sound and aesthetic qualities, the choice of nylon bottom housing in the Box Navy creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing in the North Pole V2. These variations give users the opportunity to select the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Navy switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, whereas the North Pole V2 switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Box Navy switch requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke compared to the North Pole V2 switch.
In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy switch is noticeably heavier with a force of 90 grams, while the North Pole V2 switch has a lower bottom out force of 65 grams. This indicates that the Box Navy switch provides a more substantial typing experience as it requires a firmer press to fully bottom out the key, whereas the North Pole V2 switch offers a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience.
Considering the weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces offered by the North Pole V2 switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This would be ideal for individuals who use their keyboard extensively for work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more pronounced typing experience may gravitate towards the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Navy switch.
Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the North Pole V2 switch would suit those who prioritize lightness and ease of typing, while the heavier forces of the Box Navy switch would appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0mm is considered the most traditional, while a distance of 3.0mm is seen as the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the longer travel distance of the North Pole V2 switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 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 reminiscent of buckling keyboards from the 80s. When typing on the Box Navy, you can expect a resonant sound profile with a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp sound. The switch is also described as having a crunchy sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. In terms of feel, the Box Navy offers a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a strong and crisp tactile bump. It is considered a stiff switch, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out.
On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its gummy typing feel and deep, muted sound profile. This linear switch provides a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. In terms of feel, the North Pole V2 switch is described as gummy, providing a unique typing experience similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. It is also considered creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation. Additionally, the North Pole V2 switch is labeled as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback and rebound when pressed. The polished switch finish adds to its sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provide distinct and contrasting experiences. The Box Navy offers a heavy and tactile typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 provides a gummy and creamy typing feel with a subdued and deep sound profile. Although they differ in their subjective qualities, both switches offer unique and enjoyable experiences for those who prefer their respective features.
Conclusion
To sum up, 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. With a bottom out force of 90 grams, these switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and give a sharp and crunchy feedback sensation. In terms of sound, the Box Navy switches produce a resonant and clean sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and gummy typing experience, then the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches are a great choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a satisfying chewy typing feel. They produce a deep and muted sound profile, creating a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The North Pole V2 switches have a unique gummy sensation when bottoming out, reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches depends on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a heavy and crunchy typing sensation with resonant sound or a gummy and subdued typing feel with muted sound, both these switches have their own unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. So consider your personal preferences and needs when deciding between these two switches and happy typing!
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