Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that are frequently compared are the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Milk Peach, a linear switch. The Box Navy is ideal for those who crave a heavy typing experience and enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of a clicky switch, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Milk Peach offers a smooth and consistent typing experience with no audible click, perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more linear 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
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Milk Peach, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches offer a similar aesthetic appeal and sound profile with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Box Navy features a nylon bottom housing, while the Milk Peach also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. Despite this difference in the bottom housing material, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Milk Peach showcase differences in their housing materials while still offering comparable typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches provides a sharp and crisp sound profile, with the translucency enhancing the aesthetic appeal. The nylon bottom housing in both switches adds a deeper and fuller sound quality, creating a unique typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of the Box Navy or the rounder sound of the Milk Peach, both switches deliver quality performance based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Navy requires 90 grams while the Milk Peach force is unavailable. The Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Milk Peach offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches have their own advantages based on individual preference, with the Box Navy catering to those who prefer a heavier feel while the Milk Peach is more suited for users who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Milk Peach has a shorter travel distance compared to the Box Navy. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience. Gamers who prioritize speed and quick response times may prefer the Outemu Milk Peach switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced key press and deeper actuation point may lean towards the Kailh Box Navy switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends 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 Milk Peach 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
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feel. These switches are perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and clicky sound. On the other hand, not much information is available about the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, if you are seeking a smooth and linear typing experience without the tactile feedback and audible click of the Box Navy, the Milk Peach switches may be a good option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a clicky switch that offers a sharp tactile feedback and produces a resonant and crunchy sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear switch without a bottom out force, the Outemu Milk Peach switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Whether you choose the Box Navy for its vintage buckling keyboard feel or the Milk Peach for its smooth linear action, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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