Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Tom offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Navy switch is a clicky switch that is perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience with a loud sound signature and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch that provides a different typing sensation, characterized by a quiet and smooth keystroke. If you prefer a more subtle and gentle typing experience, the Tom switch may be the better 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
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
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Tom, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Despite these similarities, the switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Box Navy featuring nylon and the Tom also opting for nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both the Box Navy and the Outemu Tom share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart. The impact of these housing materials can be felt differently when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, with the Box Navy providing a crisper sound profile due to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon, while the Tom offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its use of nylon for both housings.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Tom may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the use of nylon in the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound depth and feel. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Box Navy or a deeper sound with the Tom, both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials that can enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Navy is heavier in both aspects. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Tom has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The weight of a switch can significantly impact typing comfort, with lighter switches ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier switches preferred for a more robust typing experience. In this case, those who prefer a heavier typing feel may lean towards the Box Navy, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Tom more suitable.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Box Navy being on the longer side and the Tom being on the shorter side. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Tom switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Box Navy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Tom 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 higher-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. The sharp and crisp clicky sound is immersive and satisfying for users who enjoy a tactile auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Tom switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare the two in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, offering a highly intense and immersive typing sensation. The strong tactile bump is prominent with each keypress, providing a snappy and reactive feel for users who prefer a heavier typing experience. As for the Outemu Tom switch, the tactile feel is unknown, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in this regard.
Overall, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a distinct clicky sound and sharp tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switch is a great choice for you. The resonant and crunchy sound profile, combined with the sharp and invigorating tactile feel, creates an immersive typing experience that is sure to enhance your daily use. While the qualities of the Outemu Tom switch are unknown, based on the available information, you can expect a similar typing experience with a different sound and feel profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Tom switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound signature and sharp tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. The high bottom out force and resonant, crunchy sound profile of the Box Navy switches will surely satisfy your need for a vintage typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter actuation force and a different sound profile, the Outemu Tom switches might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Whichever switch you choose, both the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Tom switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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