Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch to the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and appreciate the audible and tactile feedback of a clicky switch. In contrast, the Cream Pink provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any audible feedback, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Cream Pink switches offer contrasting qualities that affect the sound profile and typing experience. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Cream Pink's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While the Box Navy's top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Cream Pink's nylon top housing offers a classic feel to typing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of the nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This shared feature demonstrates how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, providing a consistent feel across both switches despite other differences in their construction.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Cream Pink switches highlight the importance of material choice in switch design. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing delivers a clear and resonant sound profile, the Cream Pink's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housing, emphasizing the impact that material composition can have on the typing feel and sound of a switch. Whether opting for a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, rounder profile, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, we can see that the Box Navy is heavier in both aspects. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, whereas the Cream Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This makes the Box Navy a more substantial and heavier switch compared to the Cream Pink. Those who prefer a more intense typing experience may lean towards the Box Navy for its heavier forces, while those who like a lighter touch may opt for the Cream Pink. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this comparison, the Box Navy has a shorter travel distance than the Cream Pink. The Box Navy's 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Cream Pink's 4 mm travel distance may provide a deeper, more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
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 Cream Pink 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 offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and sharp, clean clicks reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, providing a high feedback intensity, pronounced tactile bump, and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate compared to other switches. This results in a tactile and immersive typing sensation. Unfortunately, no specific information is available regarding the feel of the Outemu Cream Pink switch.
Overall, if you are looking for a heavy, tactile typing experience with a unique sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a smoother, linear typing experience, the Outemu Cream Pink switch may be a suitable option. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your needs, and trying out different switches is the best way to determine what suits you best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a vintage feel and enjoy the sound of clicky switches, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the way to go. Their 90-gram bottom out force, resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feel, make them a great choice for those who appreciate a tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience without the clicky sound, then the Outemu Cream Pink linear switches with their 65-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in typing feel and sound, so consider what you prioritize most in your typing experience when choosing between the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Cream Pink switches.
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