Kailh Box Navy vs. Durock Piano

Overview

If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and delivers a satisfying sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy switches are an ideal choice. These clicky switches offer a distinct feel and sound reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a deep and creamy sound, the Durock Piano linear switches are worth considering. These switches are known for their proprietary material blend, which results in a gliding push feel and a pleasing sound signature. The Box Navy switches are categorized as sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff, while the Piano switches are characterized as bassy, frictionless, and silky. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch best suits your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Durock Piano Linear

$5.50 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Piano switches provide distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more resonant sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched tone. In contrast, the Piano switch features a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a satisfying and deep sound. While the exact details of this blend are unknown, it provides a unique sound profile that is sure to please those seeking a richer and more fulfilling auditory experience.

Both the Box Navy and the Durock Piano switches share a commonality in their bottom housings. The Box Navy employs a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the Durock Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend bottom housing that enhances the switch's sound profile. Although specifics about the blend are undisclosed, it promises a uniquely satisfying and deep sound. Thus, both switches prioritize delivering an exceptional auditory experience, with each housing material providing its distinct contribution to the overall sound.

The distinction between the top and bottom housings of a switch comes into play when considering the tactile and acoustic feedback during typing. The bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. With the Box Navy utilizing a nylon bottom housing and the Durock Piano employing a POM blend bottom housing, users can expect differences in the tactile feedback and sound when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the top housing significantly impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether it is the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy or the proprietary POM blend top housing of the Durock Piano, the choice of material profoundly affects the sound produced upon key release.

Overall, the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Piano switches offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. While the Box Navy prioritizes a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Durock Piano aims to provide a satisfying and deep sound with its proprietary POM blend top housing. Both switches share a common trait in their respective bottom housings, emphasizing a fuller and deeper sound. Depending on personal preferences and desired auditory experiences, users can choose between these switches to find the perfect match for their typing needs.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Box Navy switch has an actuation force of 60 grams, meaning it requires a moderate amount of force to initiate a keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch does not provide information regarding its actuation force, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy switch requires a hefty 90 grams of force, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly lighter.

Considering the weight factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel may opt for switches with lower actuation and bottom out forces. This allows for extended typing sessions, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more robust typing experience may lean towards switches with heavier forces.

Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Durock Piano linear switch. However, without information on the actuation force of the Piano switch, it is challenging to determine the extent of their differences. Nonetheless, depending on individual preferences, both switches can provide satisfying results, whether one seeks a heavier or lighter typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch differ in length. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Piano has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Piano aligns more closely with the average travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Box Navy falls on the shallower side with its 3.6 mm travel distance. However, the preference for shorter travel distances has been on the rise, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you are looking for a more responsive key press, the Box Navy with its shorter travel distance might be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Piano's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, your personal preference and intended use case will determine which switch is better suited for you.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best known for its heavy typing experience and vintage sound signature. When typing on a Box Navy switch, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile that resembles stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The high-pitched and immersive auditory experience adds to the overall satisfaction of using this switch. In terms of feel, the Box Navy offers a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. Its strong tactile bump can be felt distinctly with each keypress, providing a snappy and reactive typing sensation. The switch is also characterized as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is best known for its proprietary material blend which provides a pleasant typing experience. The Piano switch offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The switch is described as bassy, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. In terms of feel, the Piano offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. The switch is extremely smooth and effortless, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and provides a satisfying typing experience. Based on the available information, the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch differ significantly. The Box Navy offers a heavy and tactile typing experience with a resonant sound profile, while the Piano provides a smooth and effortless typing experience with a bassy sound signature. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.

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 smoother and effortless typing experience without the audible click, then the Durock Piano linear switches are an excellent choice. These switches provide a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, thanks to their proprietary material blend. In terms of sound, the Box Navy offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, while the Piano exhibits a bassy sound profile with a rich and deep tone. When it comes to feel, the Box Navy provides a sharp and invigorating tactile experience, with a strong and pronounced feedback, while the Piano switches offer a frictionless and silky smooth typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more