Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Green mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a clicky typing experience but have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and appreciate the loud sound signature and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch does not have a specific standout feature but still provides a satisfying clicky feel. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Green both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their nylon bottom housings. The Box Navy utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Green also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound quality.
While both the Box Navy and the Outemu Green incorporate polycarbonate top housings for a similar sharp and clear sound profile, their nylon bottom housings offer subtle distinctions in sound characteristics. The Box Navy's bottom housing, being made of nylon, allows for a deeper and more full-bodied sound when typing, enhancing the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Green's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deep and full sound profile but with a slightly different tonality, providing a unique typing experience compared to the Box Navy. These differences in bottom housing material can affect the overall feel and sound of the switches, offering users the opportunity to choose based on their preferences for sound and typing feel.
When it comes to how the top and bottom housing materials affect the overall sound and feel of the switches, the differences between the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Green become more apparent. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influence the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. On the other hand, the top housing material, in this case, polycarbonate for both switches, has a greater impact on the sound when keys are released. Therefore, while both switches may offer similar sharpness and clarity in sound due to their polycarbonate top housings, the distinctions in their bottom housing materials provide unique typing experiences for users to consider.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, it is evident that both switches have heavy actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, while the Outemu Green has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. Both switches provide a substantial typing experience with a noticeable tactile feedback. While the Box Navy requires slightly less force to actuate, the Outemu Green offers a slightly lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, it is evident that the Box Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Box Navy would provide a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter distance compared to the Green. For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience or gaming performance, the Box Navy may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Outemu Green offers a bit more depth to the keypress, which may be more comfortable for those who enjoy a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific 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 Green 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 and clean sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing sensation due to its strong tactile bump and firm actuation force. This gives users a distinct tactile feedback and an immersive typing experience. The feel of the Outemu Green switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a sharper sound profile and strong tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be a suitable choice for you. Both switches offer a clicky typing experience, but the Box Navy switch stands out for its unique sound and feel qualities. Whether you choose the Kailh Box Navy or the Outemu Green switch, keep in mind that personal preference plays a key role in determining the best mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a heavy typing experience with a higher bottom out force, along with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, and sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a heavy switch with similar characteristics but do not mind a slightly lower bottom out force, the Outemu Green clicky switches can also be a great option. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what feels best for you. Choose wisely and enjoy your mechanical keyboard journey!
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