Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Grey offer contrasting experiences for users. The Box Navy is ideal for those who prefer a heavy typing experience with a loud clicky sound, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, appealing to users who want a satisfying yet silent keystroke. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 the Outemu Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Box Navy uses a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The Silent Grey also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound and feel, the qualities of the housing materials in switches play a significant role. With the top and bottom housings made of different materials, the characteristics of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When typing on a switch, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This distinction can affect the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switch. Despite both switches using polycarbonate top housings, the choice of nylon bottom housing in both the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Grey offers a unique typing experience with variations in sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Grey contribute to their distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housings. The nylon bottom housings in both switches result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a unique typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound. Whether you prefer a switch with a stiffer or softer housing material, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Grey ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that the Box Navy has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Silent Grey. The Box Navy requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 90 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Silent Grey only needs 50 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, placing it in the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for extended periods, the Silent Grey may be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and don't mind the heavier weight, the Box Navy would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance compared to the Box Navy. This means that pressing down on the Silent Grey switch will require a slightly deeper press compared to the Box Navy. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Silent Grey 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 switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and serene typing experience, with no specific sound descriptors available. Depending on your preference for sound, the Box Navy will give you a more immersive auditory experience, while the Silent Grey will keep things subtle and peaceful.
When it comes to feel, the Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, offering a strong and crisp bump with each keypress. This creates a highly tactile and responsive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a smooth and pronounced bump without specific descriptors available. If you prefer a more tactile and feedback-intensive typing experience, the Box Navy switch would be your choice, while the Silent Grey switch will provide a smoother and quieter tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch excels in providing a loud and tactile typing experience with a strong tactile bump and audible click sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet and smooth typing experience with a pronounced bump without the audible click. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to suit your typing style and environment. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but if you prefer a more tactile experience, the Kailh Box Navy switch may be more suitable, while the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be ideal for a quieter typing environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when making a decision between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a loud and tactile feel, the Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. However, if you prioritize a quieter and tactile typing experience, then the Silent Grey switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall keyboard experience. Choose the switch that aligns with what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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