Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch to the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Box Navy is ideal for those who prefer a heavy typing experience and enjoy the loud and tactile feedback that clicky switches provide. On the other hand, the Purple Star is a great choice for those who prefer a smoother typing experience with a lighter touch. The Box Navy offers a sharp and crunchy typing experience, while the Purple Star provides a mild and easy-to-press feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Purple Star, one key difference is in their top housings. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity. In contrast, the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the POM top housing of the Purple Star offers a unique and pleasing sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Box Navy and the Purple Star offer distinct characteristics. The Box Navy includes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during typing. Similarly, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, complementing the qualities of its POM top housing. Both switches prioritize sound quality through their choice of housing materials, with nylon and POM offering different but equally effective acoustic experiences.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Purple Star prioritize sound quality and offer unique typing experiences. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for distinct sound profiles to be felt during key presses and releases. While the polycarbonate and nylon combination of the Box Navy produces a sharp and resonant sound profile, the POM housing duo of the Purple Star creates a deeper and more muted sound experience. Ultimately, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and tactile feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch present noticeable differences. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Purple Star, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Box Navy. Overall, the weight of a switch plays a significant role in one's typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for extended use and heavier switches offering a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly longer than the KTT Purple Star linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference - the Box Navy offering a slightly deeper keystroke experience, while the Purple Star provides a slightly quicker actuation. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, so users can expect comparable results in terms of typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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 noise profile, giving a high-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy offering a more intense and sharp click compared to the Purple Star's softer and neutral sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is characterized by its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, requiring a strong and crisp actuation force that delivers an immersive typing sensation. On the contrary, the KTT Purple Star switch provides a mild and easy-to-press typing experience with gentle resistance and light actuation force, making it suitable for light typists seeking comfort and ease during extended typing sessions. While the Box Navy offers a more intense and tactile typing experience, the Purple Star focuses on providing a smooth and effortless typing feel.
Considering the differences in sound and feel between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that they cater to distinct preferences in terms of typing experience. The Box Navy excels in providing a heavy and tactile typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound, ideal for those who enjoy a more intense and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Purple Star offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound, making it a perfect choice for light typists seeking comfort and ease during typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a distinct clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the way to go. They offer a vintage feel reminiscent of older buckling spring keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the KTT Purple Star switches are the better choice. With their light actuation force and all-POM construction, they provide a comfortable and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your preference for typing feel and sound signature. Whether you enjoy the sharpness and crispness of the Box Navy or the smoothness and ease of the Purple Star, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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