Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch may be the ideal choice for you. Known for its sharp and resonant sound profile, as well as its crunchy tactile feedback, the Box Navy switch is reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke without the audible click, the Outemu Cold Plum switch could be more up your alley. With a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, the Cold Plum switch provides a unique typing experience that is both satisfying and distinct. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Cold Plum, one notable difference is the material used for the top housing. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing is better suited for RGB lighting with its translucency, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a more rounded sound overall.
When it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Box Navy and the Cold Plum use nylon as the material. This results in a similar typing experience for both switches, with a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's sound absorption properties. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, making the typing experience more consistent between these two switches despite the difference in their top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Cold Plum plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy offers a crisper and higher-pitched sound, the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum provides a deeper and fuller sound. However, with both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, the typing experience is more consistent in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch are both 60 grams, making them equal in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the Box Navy has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams compared to the Cold Plum's 70 grams, making it a more substantial typing experience. This means that while both switches may feel similar when initially pressing down, the Box Navy will require more force to fully bottom out. This difference in bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more solid and weighted feel while typing, as it provides a greater sense of control and feedback. On the other hand, the Cold Plum's lower bottom out force could be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for long periods without experiencing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the modern keyboard market. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the faster response times offered by switches with shorter travel distances. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial key press, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Cold Plum switches will come down to personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10.
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, reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards. The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, on the other hand, lacks a specific sound description, but its thocky sound profile provides a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing satisfaction for users.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is characterized by its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump. The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch does not have a specific feel description available, but its smooth keystroke suggests a different tactile experience compared to the Box Navy switch. The Cold Plum switch's nylon construction may also contribute to a different feel than the Box Navy's design.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Navy provides a nostalgic clicky sound and strong tactile feedback, the Cold Plum delivers a thocky sound profile and a smooth keystroke experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preference for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on the user's personal preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, in conclusion, when making a decision between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a loud clicky sound and strong tactile feedback, then the Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience with a thocky sound profile and a medium-heavy actuation force, then the Cold Plum switches would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force required for key presses. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to see which one suits your typing style the best.
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