Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, a tactile switch, each offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. If you value a heavy typing experience with a distinct sound signature and tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a subtle bump for feedback, the Dustproof Brown switches might be more to your liking. These switches are categorized as sharp and resonant, while the others are not categorized. 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
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
Polycarbonate
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 Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, contributing to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting capabilities. However, despite these similarities in top housing material, the two switches also have differences in their bottom housings.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Box Navy and the Dustproof Brown utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. While the top housing material primarily impacts the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Dustproof Brown switches offer a unique blend of characteristics. While the polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials ultimately affect the overall typing experience, making each switch distinct in its sound and feel. Although they share some similarities in housing materials, such as polycarbonate top housings, the unique qualities of their nylon bottom housings set them apart from each other.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Navy has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dustproof Brown's 45 grams, making the Box Navy a heavier option. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy again requires more force at 90 grams compared to the Dustproof Brown's 65 grams. This makes the Box Navy a heavier switch overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Dustproof Brown more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier Box Navy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making the Dustproof Brown the longer of the two. The shorter travel distance of the Box Navy may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Dustproof Brown may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Dustproof Brown 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. Typing on these switches provides a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp quality, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is not available. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. These switches provide a strong and crisp tactile bump, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate. Typing on Box Navy switches can be described as immersive, reactive, and with noticeable feedback. Unfortunately, details on the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch are not provided.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you are considering the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, the subjective qualities such as sound and feel are currently unknown. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and sharp sound profile, as well as a strong, crisp tactile feel, then the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences, as both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different needs.
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