Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a truly satisfying typing experience, you may find yourself torn between the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, a linear switch. The Box Navy switches are renowned for providing a heavy typing experience while showcasing the signature sound and tactility of a clicky switch. These switches encapsulate the nostalgia of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, adding a touch of history to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches by KTT offer a different kind of charm. With their progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these linear switches provide a delightfully smooth typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon switches are characterized by their low-pitched sound and neutral feel, allowing for a more mild typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The primary difference between the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon in terms of housing materials lies in their bottom housings. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, their bottom housings utilize contrasting materials. The Box Navy adopts a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. The Sea Salt Lemon, on the other hand, features a nylon bottom housing as well, generating a similarly dull and round sound profile. Therefore, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the two switches will provide comparable results, as the nylon material plays a significant role in creating a deeper sound.
Despite the similarities in their bottom housings, the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon still exhibit distinct characteristics. The choice of polycarbonate for their top housings ensures that both switches offer a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal utilization of RGB lighting, making it an ideal material for the top housing of switches. Therefore, both the Box Navy and the Sea Salt Lemon deliver similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal due to the common usage of polycarbonate.
When it comes to the overall experience of typing on these switches, the impact and sound upon pressing down and releasing a key are influenced by the qualities of the respective bottom and top housings. In this regard, the Kailh Box Navy's nylon bottom housing plays a more prominent role, as it contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, made of polycarbonate, will have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Similarly, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon's bottom housing, also constructed from nylon, will affect the bottom-out sound and sensation, while the polycarbonate top housing will shape the sound upon key release. Thus, the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer a slightly different typing experience based on the distribution of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in their weight. The Kailh Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more robust and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be more suitable, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is ideal for situations like bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more satisfying typing experience may find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Navy switch more appealing.
In terms of obtaining similar results, if both switches have the same actuation and bottom out forces, it would indicate that the typing experience would be equally weighted, providing consistent feedback and performance regardless of the chosen switch. However, in this case, the Kailh Box Navy and KTT Sea Salt Lemon have distinct force measurements, highlighting their respective differences in weight.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, we can see that the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance. The 4.0mm distance is considered more traditional, while the 3.6mm is slightly shallower. In recent times, shorter travel distances have become popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. So, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Box Navy with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Sea Salt Lemon switch with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Both switches offer different experiences, catering to individual preferences.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 characteristics. Typing on these switches will result in a higher-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. The sound is clean, sharp, and has an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making them suitable for different purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, both switches provide distinct sound profiles, with the Box Navy being resonant and crunchy, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched and neutral sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff. These switches provide high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile bump, creating a distinct typing sensation. They require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, resulting in a satisfying and reactive feel. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience. These switches have a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The typing experience is approachable to most users, as it stands in a safe, middle-ground zone. Overall, the Box Navy provides a sharp and invigorating feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a milder typing sensation.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have subjective qualities that set them apart. The Box Navy provides a heavy typing experience with its sharp and invigorating feel, accompanied by a resonant and crunchy sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a mild feel, accompanied by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Depending on individual preferences and typing style, users can choose between the heavy and tactile experience of the Box Navy or the smooth and gentle experience of the Sea Salt Lemon. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In summary, 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 a Box Navy switch, 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 offers a sharp and invigorating typing sensation, perfect for those who enjoy a high feedback intensity.
On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience and a more gentle typing sensation, then the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches are the way to go. These switches feature a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemons are known for their low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone. With a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches provide a smooth and approachable typing experience suitable for most intents and purposes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with pronounced feedback and a clicky sound, the Box Navy will be a great choice. If you prefer a smoother and more gentle typing sensation with a lower-pitched and neutral sound, then the Sea Salt Lemon is the way to go. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
