Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch. The Box Navy is ideal for those who crave a heavy typing experience and enjoy the distinctive sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch. Reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, the Box Navy is praised for its sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more subtle keyboard sound. 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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Green, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic, contributes to a clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. This similarity suggests that users can expect comparable sound qualities and aesthetic benefits from both the Box Navy and the Silent Green.
However, a notable point of distinction between the two switches lies in their bottom housings. The Box Navy features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Green opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the characteristics of its top housing with a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material may result in varied typing experiences and sound feedback for users of each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the Box Navy and Silent Green switches allows for a unique typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing impacts the sound and feel when bottoming out. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings showcases how the materials chosen for each component can greatly affect the overall performance and user experience of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is clear that the Box Navy is heavier in both respects. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a strong and substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Green has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more medium level of resistance. The difference in weight between the two switches is significant, with the Box Navy being the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Silent Green, while those who enjoy a more robust typing feel may prefer the Box Navy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is clear that the Box Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Silent Green's 4 mm. The Box Navy with its shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Green with its longer travel distance may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for key press sensitivity and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance in your typing or gaming experience.
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 Silent 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 is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, providing a high-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's sound quality remains unknown, leaving uncertainty about its acoustic characteristics. When it comes to feel, the Box Navy offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience, delivering a strong and crisp bump with each keypress. In contrast, the tactile sensation of the Silent Green switch is currently unknown. Overall, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a unique sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy would be a suitable choice. However, if sound and feel are not priority factors for you, exploring the unknown qualities of the Outemu Silent Green may also lead to a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a heavy typing experience with a high level of tactility and noise, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. The resonant and crunchy sound profile, paired with a sharp and invigorating tactile feel, brings back a nostalgic typing sensation reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with minimal noise, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch would suit your preferences better. With a lower bottom out force and a silent operation, this switch provides a smooth and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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