Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavy typing experience combined with the satisfying sound and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. These switches are reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, delivering a sharp and resonant typing experience. With their crunchy and stiff key feel, the Box Navy switches are sure to provide an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switches offer a different tactile experience. While they still provide a satisfying level of tactility, it is accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. These switches are categorized as thocky and mild, offering a lighter and smoother typing experience compared to the Box Navy switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Red Panda have similar polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Both switches also benefit from polycarbonate's translucency, allowing for a visually appealing RGB lighting display if desired.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Box Navy and Red Panda utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer composition, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, this results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using nylon bottom housings. Thus, if you prefer a more mellow and less pronounced typing sound, both switches offer a suitable option.
While the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Red Panda have various sound-related qualities, the impact of each housing material is experienced differently. When pressing down on a switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing become prominent, influencing the sound and feel upon bottom-out. In contrast, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the specific materials differ, both switches provide a balanced combination of sound-related factors from their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the first noticeable difference is in their actuation forces. The Box Navy has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, while the Red Panda requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Red Panda has a slightly lighter touch when it comes to starting a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out forces, the Box Navy is again the heavier option with a force of 90 grams required to fully press down the key. In comparison, the Red Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it lighter in this aspect.
Considering the weight in relation to typing experience, those who prefer a lighter touch to type for extended periods may opt for the Red Panda. This lighter actuation force allows for smoother and potentially faster typing without causing fatigue over time. On the other hand, the Box Navy is ideal for individuals who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a satisfying and robust feel with every keystroke, although it may require more effort.
In summary, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Navy is the heavier option with 60 grams actuation force and 90 grams bottom out force, while the Red Panda is lighter with 50 grams actuation force and 60 grams bottom out force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style, with the Red Panda offering a lighter touch for extended typing sessions and the Box Navy providing a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Box Navy being slightly longer. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered the most traditional, providing a balanced level of feedback and keypress depth. On the other hand, a 3.0 mm travel distance is the most shallow and is often preferred for faster response times, particularly by gamers. In this case, the Red Panda would be the preferable option for those seeking a slightly quicker key response. However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt for some users. For those who prefer a more substantial keypress depth and a more satisfying typing experience, the Box Navy switch with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean and sharp, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a thocky sound. The bottom-out sound is deeper and bassier, while the top-out sound is clackier and higher-pitched. This switch produces a satisfying and rich sound when pressed and released. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. They provide high feedback intensity, a snappy and reactive feel, and require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a mild typing experience. Its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The feel of these switches is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy switch is best suited for those seeking a heavy typing experience with a vintage touch. With its heftiness and sound signature reminiscent of buckling keyboards from the 80s, it offers a resonant and crunchy sound as well as a sharp and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch provides a different typing experience. It offers a thocky sound and a mild feel, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more gentle typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, 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. When typing on these switches, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the Box Navy provides a sharp and invigorating typing sensation, making every keypress distinct.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a softer sound profile, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switches would be ideal for you. Typing on these switches offers a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a thocky bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. The Red Panda's mild feel provides a gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for weight, sound, and feel. If you enjoy a heavy and clicky typing experience, the Kailh Box Navy would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a lighter and more tactile typing experience with a softer sound, the Outemu Red Panda would better suit your needs. Consider your preferences and typing style to make an informed decision. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
