Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a heavy typing experience coupled with a satisfying clicky sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are an ideal choice. These switches offer a reminiscent feel of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, with their sharp and resonant sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and bouncier typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switches would be suitable for you. Their polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing contribute to a slick and frictionless typing experience. Additionally, with excellent factory-lubing, these switches provide refined key travel that minimizes friction and enhances smoothness. However, let's delve deeper into the characteristics of these switches to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Orange switches share some similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the switches differ. The Box Navy employs a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the KTT Orange utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, providing a similar sound profile to its top housing counterpart. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound profile.
When pressing down or bottoming-out a key, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable in both switches. The impact and resulting sound will be influenced by the bottom housing material. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when the key is released or lifted. This distinction in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, with each aspect contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box Navy and KTT Orange switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their differences in bottom housing materials offer distinct sound profiles. The Box Navy's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a clear and resonant sound. Regardless, both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound and demonstrate the advantages of polycarbonate in RGB lighting setups.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Navy requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams, while its bottom out force is even heavier at 90 grams. This provides a strong and substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a more forceful push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a comparatively lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes it a medium-light option, suitable for individuals seeking a lighter typing experience, especially for longer durations of typing or gaming sessions. While the Kailh Box Navy is clearly on the heavier spectrum, the KTT Orange switch provides a more manageable and effortless typing experience for those who do not desire a heavier switch. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences, ensuring a range of options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Orange linear switch differ slightly, with the Box Navy having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Orange measuring at 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking quicker response times. For those who prioritize a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the slightly shorter travel distance of the KTT Orange switch may be preferred. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt, and in that case, the Kailh Box Navy switch with its slightly longer travel distance could be the more suitable choice. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, ensuring that users can expect similar results in terms of the experience and feedback provided by both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience. With a higher-pitched sound profile, typing on these switches is akin to the satisfying crisp and crunchy sound of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch provides a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Navy clicky switch offers a vintage and resonant typing experience, the Orange linear switch provides a smoother and quieter sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch presents a sharp and invigorating tactile experience. Each keypress is accompanied by a strong and crisp tactile bump, offering a highly noticeable feedback intensity. This switch is known for its stiffness, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch provides a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. With a 22mm long spring, these switches offer a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation. They also boast excellent factory-lubing, ensuring a smooth and effortless key travel that minimizes resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
When comparing the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is important to consider personal preferences. If you enjoy a heavy and vintage typing experience with a high-pitched and resonant sound, the Box Navy switches are a perfect fit. Their sharp tactile feedback and stiffness provide a distinct and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a bouncy and frictionless feel, the Orange linear switches are an excellent choice. Their low-pitched sound profile and excellent factory-lubing ensure a slick and effortless key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and enjoy the sound and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. Their weightiness and vintage buckling keyboard sound signature will provide you with an immersive and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a bouncy and frictionless feel, then the KTT Orange switches are the way to go. With their long spring and excellent factory-lubing, these switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Navy and the Orange switch depends on your preference for weight, sound, and typing feel. Consider your typing style and needs, and select the switch that aligns best with your preferences.
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