Kailh Box Navy vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower). While both switches offer unique features and benefits, they differ in their functionality and overall typing experience. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and appreciate the distinct sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch. Its weightiness and resonant crunchiness bring back nostalgic memories of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is geared towards individuals seeking maximum tactility. This punchy switch delivers a sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack, ensuring a truly gratifying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision when selecting the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) differ in their housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) features a POM top housing, creating a more muted but pleasing sound. The sound profile leans towards a deeper tone, offering a unique auditory experience.
In terms of bottom housings, the Box Navy employs a nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound while typing. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) also utilizes POM for its bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, the POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a cohesive auditory experience with the rest of the switch.
Considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that the split between the top and bottom housings will influence different aspects of the typing experience. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will primarily influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that users can appreciate based on their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Navy has a relatively high actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a firm press to initiate a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force of the POM T1 (Sunflower) remains unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Navy takes the lead with a heavy 90 grams, providing users with a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams.
Consideration of weight becomes crucial as it can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for extended typing periods, making it suitable for work environments or long gaming sessions. In such instances, the POM T1 (Sunflower) may be a more suitable choice due to its potentially lighter actuation force (though exact specifications are unavailable). Conversely, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more tactile typing experience might lean towards options with heavier forces, such as the Box Navy switch.
While the actuation force and bottom out force may differ between the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance typing experiences. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing requirements when selecting the switch that best fits individual needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches offer an enjoyable typing experience, they cater to different preferences. Gamers seeking faster response times may lean towards the Box Navy switch due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, those who prefer a deeper keypress may find the Durock POM T1 more satisfying with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch also provides a resonant sound profile, but with a more neutral tone. It has a moderate sound profile, suitable for various purposes and user levels. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches offer a sharp tactile experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump of these switches can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Additionally, both switches are described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. The POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is further characterized as accented, meaning it offers a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It is also labeled as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive and provides an energetic typing experience. The Box Navy switch, on the other hand, is described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Box Navy switch offers a more distinct crunchiness, reminiscent of vintage keyboards, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch has a neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes. However, both switches offer a sharp tactile experience, with strong and crisp tactile bumps that provide pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. Therefore, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a distinctive sound, the Box Navy switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if maximum tactility and a neutral sound profile are your priorities, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the perfect fit for you. These switches provide a heftiness and sound reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, if maximum tactility is what you desire, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches are the way to go. These switches offer a sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack when typing. In terms of sound, both switches provide a resonant sound profile that is clean and sharp. However, the Box Navy switches are described as "crunchy," resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The POM T1 (Sunflower) switches have a more neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. When it comes to feel, both switches offer a sharp tactile bump. The Box Navy switches are described as "invigorating" and "stiff," requiring more force to actuate. The POM T1 (Sunflower) switches, on the other hand, are described as "accented" and "snappy," providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for weight, sound, and feel.
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