Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Silent Yellow offer vastly different typing experiences. The Box Navy is a clicky switch that provides a heavy typing experience with a sharp and invigorating sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a clicky switch, the Box Navy is a great choice for you. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch that offers a smooth and quiet typing experience. If you prefer a more subtle and refined typing experience without the audible click, the Silent Yellow is an ideal option. 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
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Silent Yellow switches both share a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an ideal choice for users looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a consistent and visually pleasing typing experience.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Box Navy features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that may be preferred by some users. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, allowing for a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Silent Yellow switches provides a well-rounded typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether users prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and key feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Box Navy requires a lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's 65 grams. However, the Box Navy has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, while the Silent Yellow has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 80 grams. Both switches offer a heavy typing experience overall, with the Box Navy being heavier in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Silent Yellow may be the better option due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Box Navy. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Navy offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch provides a more substantial depth to the key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Silent Yellow 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, creating a nostalgic typing experience reminiscent of vintage keyboards. The high-pitched sound and crisp feedback make each keypress satisfying and immersive. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is currently unavailable, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Navy clicky switch is characterized by its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, providing a distinct and responsive typing experience. The strong tactile bump and higher actuation force give users a tangible sensation with each keystroke. Unfortunately, there is no available information regarding the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a heavy typing experience and love the sound and feel of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Navy would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience and are looking for a smooth linear switch, the Outemu Silent Yellow could be a suitable option. It is also important to consider personal preferences, such as sound and feel, when choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who enjoys a heavy typing experience, loves the sound and tactility of clicky switches, and appreciates a vintage feel reminiscent of buckling springs keyboards, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother, quieter typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style, sound preferences, and desired tactile feedback. Choose wisely based on what qualities matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
