Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Spring Breeze both fall under the clicky switch category, offering a satisfying tactile feedback and audible click with each key press. The Box Navy stands out for its heavy typing experience, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, and its distinctive sound signature. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze doesn't have a standout feature but still delivers the satisfying clicky feel many users seek. If you prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force and a unique sound profile, the Box Navy may be the ideal choice for you. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches provide different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in sound characteristics can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, both the Box Navy and Spring Breeze utilize nylon, leading to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the different sound profiles created by the top housing materials will still be present, as the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The split between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials ensures that users will experience a varied sound profile throughout their typing experience with these switches.
In summary, while the Box Navy and Spring Breeze switches share a nylon bottom housing, their contrasting top housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon create distinct sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Navy results in a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze produces a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the switch's sound profile can help users choose the switch that best fits their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is clear that the Box Navy has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Spring Breeze. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, while the Spring Breeze has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we can see that the Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Spring Breeze has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Box Navy has a shorter travel distance compared to the Spring Breeze. 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 Spring Breeze may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer a clicky feel, but the difference in travel distance can impact the overall typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences 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 Spring Breeze 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 the sound of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, users can expect a resonant and crunchy experience that harkens back to vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. The high-pitched sound profile and clean, sharp sound of the Box Navy creates an immersive auditory experience that is perfect for those who enjoy a clicky switch. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is characterized by a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. The strong and crisp tactile bump provides pronounced feedback with each key press, offering an immersive typing sensation for those seeking a heavy typing experience. However, the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is also unknown, making it challenging to compare the two switches in terms of feel.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a clicky switch that offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as sharp, invigorating tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switch is an excellent choice. However, if the sound and feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze switch align with your preferences and typing style, you may achieve similar results with that switch. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Spring Breeze switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a sharp tactile bump and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, then the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and are not particularly concerned about sound profile or tactile feedback, then the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switches may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully before making your choice.
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