Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a satisfying and robust typing experience, the Kailh Box Navy and Gateron Oil King are two options worth considering. The Box Navy switches are well-known for their heavy typing experience and the delightful sound and tactility of a clicky switch. These switches carry a heftiness and sound signature reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with a sound profile that brings to mind the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and appeal, allowing you to choose based on your preference. 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
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Oil King differ in several ways. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Oil King features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, while the Box Navy provides a clearer and more resonant sound, the Oil King offers a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Navy and the Oil King use nylon as the material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This quality is present in both the Box Navy and the Oil King switches. Therefore, while the top housings of these switches differ, the nylon bottom housing provides a similar deep and full sound profile for both.
When comparing the impact on sound and feel, the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Thus, the qualities of the bottom housing material, such as the deep and full sound produced by nylon, will be more noticeable during keypresses. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key. So, the sharper and higher-pitched sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy and the pointed and relatively high-pitched sound of the INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King will be more evident when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in these switches determines the sound profile during different stages of keypresses.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are notable differences. The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has an actuation force of 60 grams, which is heavier than the Gateron Oil King linear switch's actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Box Navy requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy has a heavier force of 90 grams compared to the Oil King's 65 grams. This indicates that the Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force.
Considerations for weight also play a role in the decision-making process. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Gateron Oil King linear switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer typing sessions with less strain. This would be well-suited for individuals using a keyboard for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals seeking a stronger push feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be more suitable. Its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a noticeable tactile feedback, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the preference and specific needs of the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Oil King being the more typical choice. However, the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. The shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation, making it ideal for rapid key presses during gaming. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial and satisfying keypress, then the Gateron Oil King with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50.
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 is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches will give you a higher-pitched sound and an immersive auditory experience, similar to the crisp and crunchy sound of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound. This means you can expect a more mellow and bass-heavy tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you use.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump of these switches provides high feedback intensity and a distinct feeling with each keypress. They require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, which can offer a sturdy and robust typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch contribute to the smooth and buttery sensation. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, creating a seamless and uniform typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile, along with a sharp and invigorating tactile feel. It offers a heavy typing experience and is reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Oil King switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound, paired with a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel. It provides a buttery smoothness and a sound profile resembling a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches have their unique characteristics and can provide an exceptional typing experience based on your preferences. If you prefer heavy and tactile switches with a resonant sound profile, the Box Navy switch is a perfect choice. If you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Oil King switch will satisfy your needs.
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. When typing on these switches, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Additionally, the Box Navy switches offer a sharp and invigorating feel with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each and every keypress.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more linear typing experience, then the Gateron Oil King linear switches are the way to go. These switches provide a buttery and silky typing sensation, with a creamy and polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel. In terms of sound, the Oil King switches offer a low-pitched and bassy profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with dark chocolate snapping.
Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and the Gateron Oil King linear switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. If you enjoy a heavier and more tactile experience with a clicky sound, go for the Box Navy switches. If you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Oil King switches are the way to go. Happy typing!
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