Kailh Box Navy vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience and a satisfying clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. These switches bring back the nostalgia of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s with their heftiness and unique sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience without the loud noise, the Everglide Oreo switches are the way to go. These switches offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, providing a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing. While the Box Navy switches offer a sharp and invigorating typing experience, the Oreo switches give off a more subtle and mellow sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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 housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and Everglide Oreo switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, both switches feature clear housings, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. So, if you are looking for a switch with these qualities, both the Kailh Box Navy and Everglide Oreo would provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Box Navy employs nylon as its bottom housing material, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Oreo switch features polycarbonate for its bottom housing, just like its top housing. This means that the sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate is present in both the top and bottom housings of the Everglide Oreo.
As a result of these differences in bottom housing materials, the typing experience and the sound produced will vary between the Kailh Box Navy and Everglide Oreo switches. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Navy will create a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo will contribute to a sharper and crisper sound. Conversely, when releasing a key, the impact on the sound will be influenced by the top housing. So, depending on your preferences for typing and sound, you may prefer the characteristics of one switch over the other.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Oreo has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to activate the switch.
Similarly, when looking at the bottom out force, the Box Navy once again proves to be heavier with a bottom out force of 90 grams. This means that a substantial amount of force is required to fully press the key down. On the contrary, the Oreo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is lighter and provides a more effortless typing experience.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lightweight switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions may find the Oreo more suitable. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for more comfortable and prolonged use. On the contrary, those who prefer a more substantial and forceful typing experience may opt for the Box Navy. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, offering a more satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch differ significantly in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. While the Box Navy is heavier in both respects, the Oreo offers a lighter and more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience one seeks.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we find that they have different distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Oreo has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Oreo has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Navy. The 4.0mm distance of the Oreo falls within the traditional range, offering a satisfying amount of depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Navy is more suitable for gamers who prioritize a faster response time. Although the distance is shorter, it still provides enough depth for a satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a shorter travel distance for a quicker response or a longer travel distance for a more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches provides a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a more subtle and mellow sound. Described as chirpy, these switches have a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is characterized by sharp, invigorating, and stiff sensations. These switches offer a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The feedback intensity is high, creating an immersive typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as accented and stepped. These switches provide a medium level of tactility that is noticeable without being overwhelming. They offer a mild pre-travel or post-travel sensation, giving a more nuanced typing experience.
Overall, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a prominent tactile bump and clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch is a perfect choice. It combines the heftiness and sound signature of vintage buckling keyboards with modern switch technology. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile experience with a more subtle sound profile, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a satisfying keystroke along with a comfortable typing experience. Both switches have their distinct qualities and can cater to different preferences. It is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between the two. However, keep in mind that individual experiences may vary based on factors such as keyboard configuration and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, 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 a perfect fit for you. With a bottom out force of 90 grams, these switches offer a sharp and invigorating feel with a prominent and distinct tactile bump. The sound profile of the Box Navy switches is resonant and crunchy, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a comfortable tactile bump, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches are an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo switches have an accented tactile feel and produce a subtle, mellow sound profile that adds a unique touch to your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for weight, sound, and tactility.
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