Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two prominent options stand out: the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Red. The Box Navy is a clicky switch, renowned for its heavy typing experience and satisfying sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. If you enjoy a tactile feel and a loud, clicky response, the Box Navy switches are ideal for you. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red is a linear switch with a smooth keystroke and no distinct sound profile. If you prefer a quieter and more consistent typing experience, the Dustproof Red switches are a great choice. 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The comparison between the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Red housing materials shows that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, where the Box Navy incorporates nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Dustproof Red also uses nylon but emphasizes a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic properties.
While both the Box Navy and the Dustproof Red utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the nuances in sound produced by each switch can be attributed to the specific characteristics of this material. Nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches when typing. The softer nature of nylon contributes to the differences in sound quality between the two switches, with the Box Navy emphasizing a more impactful bottom-out sound, while the Dustproof Red focuses on creating a rounder sound experience. Despite these distinctions, the utilization of nylon as the bottom housing material ensures a unique typing experience for both switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Dustproof Red play a crucial role in defining the sound and feel of each switch. While the top housing's polycarbonate construction contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, the bottom housing's nylon composition influences the depth and resonance of the sound produced. The combination of these materials in each switch highlights the importance of a well-balanced design to achieve an optimal typing experience. Whether utilizing polycarbonate or nylon, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is heavier in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch. The Box Navy requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 90 grams to bottom out, providing a weightier typing experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Red only needs 45 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, offering a lighter touch overall. For those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Box Navy would be the preferred choice, while the Dustproof Red would be ideal for individuals who enjoy a lighter keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy offering a heavier typing experience and the Dustproof Red providing a lighter touch for extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Dustproof Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Navy. The Dustproof Red linear switch falls into the more traditional travel distance category, providing a more familiar feel for users. On the other hand, the Box Navy clicky switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses or a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Both switches will provide satisfying results, but the slight difference in travel distance can cater to different preferences.
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 Red 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
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is widely loved for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, offering a high-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, leaving its acoustic characteristics a mystery. Moving on to feel, the Box Navy is praised for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, providing a distinct and intense typing sensation with each keypress. On the other hand, information on the tactile qualities of the Dustproof Red linear switch is unavailable, leaving its touch and feedback profile a question mark.
Overall, if you prioritize a heavy typing experience with a signature clicky sound and crisp tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are curious about the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switches, more research or hands-on experience may be needed to determine their specific sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, making it important to consider your personal preferences before making a decision.
Conclusion
In closing, if you value a heavy typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback and a loud, clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a lighter actuation force, then the Outemu Dustproof Red switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound when making your decision.
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