Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Ocean. The Box Navy switch is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and seek the signature clicky sound and tactile feedback. With its heftiness and sound reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, the Box Navy offers a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean switch provides a tactile bump without the audible click, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, but ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Both the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Ocean feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the light to shine through. However, while both switches have the same top housing material, the Kailh Box Navy has a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The Outemu Ocean also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of both the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Ocean contributes to a deeper and fuller typing experience, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound profile. However, the difference lies in the top housings of the switches, where the polycarbonate material of the Kailh Box Navy offers a sharper and crisper sound upon key release. The Outemu Ocean's polycarbonate top housing, on the other hand, also contributes to a sharper sound profile when typing, making the typing experience slightly different between the two switches.
Overall, both the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Ocean offer a unique typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials. While the top housing contributes to the sound on key release, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound when bottoming out a key. The differences in sound profiles between the two switches come from the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, with the Kailh Box Navy providing a sharper sound profile due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Outemu Ocean offers a slightly rounder sound due to its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Navy is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Navy requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, while the Ocean only requires 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy demands 90 grams, whereas the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ocean may be the more suitable option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the heavier forces of the Box Navy. Ultimately, the preferred choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's typing preferences and comfort level with actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. The Box Navy offers a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who value fast reaction times. On the other hand, the Ocean switch provides a deeper and more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 Ocean 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 is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, offering a high-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is unknown. When it comes to feel, the Box Navy switch provides a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a stiff actuation force, creating a distinct and immersive typing sensation. The Ocean switch, unfortunately, lacks any specific descriptors for its tactile feel. Overall, if you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a sharp tactile feedback and crunchy sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you're uncertain about the tactile feel and sound profile of the Outemu Ocean switch, you may still achieve similar results by experimenting with different keycap sets and keyboards to customize your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a sharp tactile bump, crisp clicky sound, and vintage feel reminiscent of classic buckling spring keyboards, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter actuation force and a different sound profile, the Outemu Ocean switches might better suit your preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the Box Navy and Ocean switches should depend on whether you prioritize the heavy and clicky typing experience of the Box Navy or the lighter and tactile feel of the Ocean. So, consider your typing preferences and desired sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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