Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Navy is a clicky switch, perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience with a loud and satisfying sound. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, providing a more subtle but still satisfying typing feel. While the Box Navy is characterized by its sharp and resonant click, the Cream Yellow offers a more subtle typing experience. If you prioritize a loud and tactile typing experience, the Box Navy may be the switch for you. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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 the Outemu Cream Yellow switches play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Cream Yellow boasts a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. While polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and resonant sound, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in top housing material contribute to the unique auditory experience offered by each switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Navy and the Cream Yellow switches utilize nylon material for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches means that, despite their differences in top housing material, they will share some common traits in sound production. The nylon bottom housing of both switches adds to the overall typing experience by providing a more muted sound and a softer feel when bottoming out the keys.
In considering the overall performance of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches, the choice of housing materials has a significant impact on the sound and feel of each switch. While the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper and clearer sound, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a more muted sound and softer feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the specific sound profile and typing experience that users prefer, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping these characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Box Navy switch is better suited for users who prefer a stronger and more pronounced push feel, while the Cream Yellow switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. While the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches are different, users can ultimately achieve similar results depending on their personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it longer than the travel distance of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, which is 3.3 mm. In this case, the Box Navy has a slightly longer distance to travel compared to the Cream Yellow. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a more substantial and deeper key press may lean towards the Cream Yellow switch, while those looking for a quicker response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key feel and typing style.
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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile and a clean, sharp auditory experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound qualities remain unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Box Navy is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, offering high feedback intensity, a prominent tactile bump, and a firm actuation force for a satisfying typing sensation. The Cream Yellow's tactile qualities are unspecified, making it challenging to contrast directly with the Box Navy in terms of feel. Despite this, it can be assumed that both switches provide a unique tactile experience based on their individual characteristics.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch stands out for its heavy typing experience, resonant sound profile, and sharp tactile feedback, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a vintage-inspired keyboard experience. While less information is available on the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is important to consider that both switches offer distinct qualities that can cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and pronounced tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. Their vintage buckling keyboard feel and sharp, crunchy sound profile will enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with medium bottom out force and a more subtle tactile feedback, the Cream Yellow switches may be more suitable for you. Consider your typing preferences and needs when making your decision, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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