Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique and robust typing experience, the Kailh Box Navy and KTT Purple Click switches are two excellent options to consider. The Box Navy switch stands out for its heavy typing experience, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. Not only does it provide a satisfying click, but its sound signature and tactile feedback truly make it a standout choice. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch (also known as Purple Sauce) offers a higher-pitched click that is incredibly satisfying. It strikes a perfect balance between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, resulting in an invigorating typing experience without being overwhelming. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, so let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$5.50 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Purple Click share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both the Box Navy and the Purple Click switches.

However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Box Navy features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a unique typing experience. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Purple Click also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deeper and fuller sound profile as the Box Navy. Therefore, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches.

In summary, both the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Purple Click switches share a polycarbonate top housing, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile while also allowing for RGB lighting. However, the Box Navy and the Purple Click diverge in their bottom housing material. The Box Navy features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Purple Click also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing comparable sound characteristics. Ultimately, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, influencing both the impact and release sound when typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that these switches differ in terms of weight. The Kailh Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In comparison, the KTT Purple Click offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Kailh Box Navy once again proves to be heavier, requiring 90 grams of force to fully press down. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a lighter and more comfortable typing experience.

Considering the weight factor, individuals looking for a lighter switch that allows them to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions may find the KTT Purple Click more suitable. However, those seeking a more substantial and forceful typing experience might prefer the Kailh Box Navy. Overall, the KTT Purple Click offers a medium-light actuation force and bottom out force, while the Kailh Box Navy delivers a heavier and more intense typing experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the more traditional 4 mm travel distance of the Purple Click. The Box Navy's shorter travel distance may make it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Purple Click may be more appealing to those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and priorities. If responsiveness is key, the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy is a suitable option, while if a deeper keystroke is desired, the longer travel distance of the Purple Click is the way to go.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch provides a resonant and crunchy experience. Typing on these switches will give you a higher-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. The sound is clean, sharp, and satisfying, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch also provides a crunchy sound, but with a slightly higher pitch. It offers a satisfying click that is pronounced without being overwhelming. Both switches provide an immersive auditory experience, but the Box Navy switch has a slightly deeper and more resonant sound compared to the Purple Click switch.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. The tactile bump is strong, crisp, and prominent, providing high feedback intensity with each keypress. These switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, resulting in a more resistance-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating and stepped feel. It provides pronounced feedback with moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation. The stepped feel refers to a more mild tactile experience where you can feel some pre-travel or post-travel, unlike the whole keystroke being a big bump on hypertactile switches.

In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Navy and KTT Purple Click switches offer unique subjective qualities. If you enjoy a heavier and more substantial typing experience, prefer a deeper and more resonant sound, and don't mind applying more force to your keystrokes, the Box Navy switch is an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter but still tactile experience, enjoy a satisfying click with a slightly higher pitch, and prefer a more reactive typing sensation, the Purple Click switch will suit your preferences. It's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Nevertheless, with either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of satisfying clicky feedback and an enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound 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 typing experience with a satisfying high-pitched click, then the KTT Purple Click switches are the way to go. They offer a perfect equilibrium between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility.

When it comes to sound, both switches have a crunchy sound profile commonly associated with clicky switches. However, the Box Navy switch offers a more resonant sound, providing an immersive auditory experience, while the Purple Click switch has a slightly higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp.

In terms of feel, the Box Navy switch offers a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a stiff actuation force, creating a strong and crisp typing sensation. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch provides an invigorating and slightly stepped feel, offering a snappy and reactive typing experience with a moderate to firm actuation force.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and KTT Purple Click switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a heavy or light typing experience, as well as the specific sound profile and tactile feedback that you find most satisfying. Experimenting with different switches can help you find the perfect fit for your typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

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KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more