Kailh Box Navy vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

If you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and the satisfying sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Navy switches are an excellent choice. With their heftiness and sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, the Box Navy switches offer a satisfying and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more lightweight and smooth typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass switches might be a better fit. These switches feature a unique blend of materials that gives them a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness while maintaining their smoothness. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and frictionless, defying expectations. Additionally, typing on these switches produces a hollow sound signature that adds to the overall experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.50 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Sea Glass differ in their housing materials for both the top and bottom. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a sound profile that is pleasant, not particularly sharp, but brighter. Both materials have their unique advantages. The polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting, while the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE provides a distinct sound experience.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Box Navy uses nylon, a classic switch housing material. The nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic nature. It absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Sea Glass incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. As with the top housing, this blend offers a unique sound profile that is pleasant without being sharp. While both housings differ, they share the characteristic of delivering distinct sound experiences with the materials they use.

When considering the overall feel and sound of the switches, it's important to note that the characteristics of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon material of the Box Navy's bottom housing would contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Sea Glass's bottom housing would provide a unique feel and sound experience. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a larger role in determining the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the choice of housing materials significantly influences the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Sea Glass switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing periods, such as using the keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. Although the forces differ, both switches deliver satisfying tactile feedback. So, while the Box Navy offers a heavier feel and the Sea Glass provides a lighter touch, both options can cater to individual preferences effectively.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Glass has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of comparison, the Box Navy offers a shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Sea Glass provides a slightly longer travel distance, offering a more hearty depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a deeper key press feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience. The higher-pitched sound profile of the Box Navy creates an immersive auditory experience, reminiscent of typing on vintage buckling keyboards. The Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, does not have any explicit description of its sound qualities. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.

In terms of feel, the Box Navy switch provides a sharp and invigorating tactile experience. With a strong and crisp tactile bump, each keypress is distinctly felt, offering a highly responsive and immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the Box Navy switch is described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience. With an extremely smooth and effortless travel, it minimizes any sense of resistance or friction. The Sea Glass switch is also characterized as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.

Overall, if you are seeking a heavy and tactile typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a smoother and lightweight typing experience with a hollow sound, the Durock Sea Glass switch is a compelling option. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.

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. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more effortless typing experience with a unique hollow sound signature, then the Durock Sea Glass linear switches would be a great choice. Despite their medium bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, making them feel incredibly frictionless. Ultimately, the Box Navy switches provide a sharp and invigorating feel, while the Sea Glass switches offer a more frictionless and effortless typing experience. It's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more