Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience along with the nostalgic sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be an ideal choice for you. These switches bring back memories of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, with their sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff qualities. On the other hand, if effortless typing and minimizing finger fatigue are your priorities, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are worth considering. With a light actuation force of 37g and a satisfying tactile bump of 50g, each keystroke becomes a delightful, bassy, stepped, and thocky experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Phalaenopsis have similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly beneficial if RGB lighting is used. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic when comparing the top housing of these switches.
However, the differentiation lies in the bottom housing material. The Box Navy features a nylon bottom housing, while the Phalaenopsis uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, using polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials allows users to experience different sound characteristics when bottoming out or releasing keys on these switches.
When utilizing a switch with different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound experienced when releasing a key is influenced by the top housing. Therefore, users can expect a nuanced and varied typing experience depending on the specific combination of housing materials in these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Navy has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis' lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Box Navy requires more force to trigger a keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those who value longer typing sessions and a more effortless keystroke activation.
In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy again stands out with a heavier force of 90 grams, while the Phalaenopsis has a more moderate bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Box Navy switch requires more force to fully press down and bottom out, leading to a more solid and satisfying typing sensation for users who prefer a pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis provides a lighter bottom out force, resulting in a softer and potentially smoother typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a heavier actuation force and bottom out force, providing a more substantial and pronounced typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers lighter forces, making it a suitable choice for individuals who prioritize longer typing sessions and a smoother keystroke activation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the more traditional 4 mm travel distance of the Phalaenopsis. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Box Navy's shorter travel distance may be appealing, especially for gamers who value faster response times. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress, the Phalaenopsis with its longer travel distance may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but both switches offer their own unique feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
The Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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. Typing on these switches will give you a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crispy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound experience. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Phalaenopsis switch also provides a satisfying thud or knock when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch may also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard used and the keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the Box Navy switch provides intense feedback with each keypress. It offers a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive feel that immerses you in the typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch has a stepped tactile feel. This means that the switch has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Compared to hypertactile switches that provide a big bump throughout the entire keystroke, the Phalaenopsis switch feels milder.
Considering all the available information, if you're seeking a heavy and clicky typing experience with a vintage feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is an excellent choice. Its resonant and crunchy sound, along with its sharp and invigorating feel, will make every keystroke a memorable one. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is the way to go. Its bassy and thocky sound, combined with the stepped tactile feel, ensures a delightful and comfortable typing session. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound signature hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and want to minimize finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches are the way to go. With their beautiful translucent design and light actuation force, typing becomes effortless and each keystroke is a delightful experience.
When it comes to sound, the Box Navy switches offer a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches provide a bassy and thocky sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones and creating a satisfying sound when pressed and released.
In terms of feel, the Box Navy switches have a sharp and invigorating tactile bump, offering high feedback intensity and creating an immersive typing sensation. These switches are also on the stiffer side, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches have a stepped feel, providing a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a prominent clicky sound and strong tactile feedback, the Box Navy is the way to go. However, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with minimized finger fatigue and a lighter sound profile, the Phalaenopsis is a excellent choice. Consider what factors are most important to you in a switch and choose accordingly.
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