Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Milk Tea offer two distinct typing experiences. The Box Navy is a clicky switch that is perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience with a satisfying sound signature and pronounced tactility. Reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, the Box Navy is characterized as sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch that provides a different feel while typing. Although it does not have a specific standout feature, it offers a pleasant tactile feedback without the audible click of the Box Navy. While these general pointers can help you decide on which switch may be best for your typing style, it is important to dive deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to make an informed decision.
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
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
Ly
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Milk Tea switches, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile for the Box Navy, while the Milk Tea offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. The translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for compatibility with RGB lighting in both switches, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile for the Box Navy, while providing a unique sound experience for the Milk Tea.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Milk Tea switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Both switches offer a duller and rounder sound as a result of the nylon bottom housing, contributing to an overall satisfying typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures a consistent sound and feel, emphasizing the importance of material choice in switch design.
Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Milk Tea switches, the qualities of each material are distributed accordingly. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the Box Navy offering a clearer and resonant sound profile, while the Milk Tea delivers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different weight options for users. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. This makes the Milk Tea a lighter option, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the Box Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Milk Tea's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Box Navy may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milk Tea may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Tea 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, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. Typing on these switches provides a clean and sharp auditory experience, with a higher-pitched sound that is quite immersive. On the other hand, there is no information available on the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Navy is recognized for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. The strong and crisp tactile bump in these switches offers a pronounced feedback intensity, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. This creates a snappy and reactive typing sensation that some users find immersive. Meanwhile, there is no information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch. If you enjoy a tactile switch with pronounced feedback and a firm actuation force, the Box Navy may be the better choice for you.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is ideal for those who prefer a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are unknown, based on the information provided, the Box Navy offers a unique typing experience that may appeal to enthusiasts looking for a vintage feel with modern technology. Whichever switch you choose, remember to consider your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a loud and clicky sound profile, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a vintage feel reminiscent of classic buckling spring keyboards and offer a strong tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a lighter touch and more subtle feedback, the Outemu Milk Tea switches would be a better fit for you, with a bottom-out force that is uncompromisingly light. Ultimately, your choice between the Box Navy and Milk Tea switches will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Choose wisely based on what suits your typing style and preferences best.
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