Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are a fan of the classic clicky switch sound and enjoy the nostalgic feel of heavy typing, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches are reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s and offer a satisfyingly crisp and resonant sound. Categorized as 'Sharp', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', 'Crunchy', and 'Stiff', the Box Navy switches provide a robust and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and muted typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches are worth considering. With a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, they offer a comfortable typing experience. The Silent Brown switches are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished', showcasing their smooth and refined feel. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision according to your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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 housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Silent Brown switches share many similarities. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it aesthetically appealing for those who want vibrant lighting effects.
On the other hand, the differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Box Navy uses nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Brown also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound.
When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, when letting go of a key, the sound is influenced by the top housing. Therefore, the different bottom and top housing materials in these switches contribute to the overall sound and feel in distinct ways, even though they share some similarities.
In summary, both the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Silent Brown switches exhibit similar characteristics with their polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. However, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Box Navy's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a comparable typing experience. The combination of different top and bottom housing materials influences the sound and feel of these switches, making each switch unique in its own way.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it's clear that there are notable differences in weight. The Box Navy switch is heavier in both categories, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams. This makes it a suitable option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience or require a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This lighter weight may be more appealing to individuals who desire a keyboard suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Overall, the Box Navy switch provides a heavier and more forceful experience, while the Silent Brown offers a slightly lighter and more moderate feel. If a user is looking for similar results in terms of weight, the Silent Brown may provide a closer match to the Box Navy in comparison to other lighter switches. However, it's important to note that the specifics of actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience, and individual preferences may vary accordingly.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Silent Brown switch offers a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down on a key compared to the Box Navy switch. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Box Navy switch would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a slightly more pronounced tactile feel, the Silent Brown switch with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
The Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 profile. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. The sound of the Box Navy is immersive and can be likened to the satisfying sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. If you prefer a more immersive and resonant auditory experience, the Box Navy would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a quieter and more understated typing experience, the Silent Brown would be the way to go.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. The high feedback intensity of these switches is felt distinctly with each keypress, thanks to their strong and crisp tactile bump. These switches offer a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel. The keystroke experience on these switches is smooth and fluid, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The feel of the Silent Brown switches is gentle and approachable, making them suitable for most users. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, these switches offer a polished typing experience. If you prefer a more intense and forceful typing experience, the Box Navy would be a better fit. But if you prefer a smoother and more gentle feel, the Silent Brown would be the ideal choice.
Considering both the subjective qualities of sound and feel, it is evident that the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Navy provides a heavy and immersive typing experience with its resonant sound profile and sharp tactile feedback. If you enjoy a vintage feel and a higher-pitched clicky sound, these switches are perfect for you. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches provide a comfortable and smooth typing experience with their muted sound profile and buttery feel. If you prefer a quieter and more understated typing experience, these switches will deliver. While they differ in qualities, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky switch and enjoy the sound signature and tactility reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. With a bottom out force of 90 grams, these switches offer a sharp and invigorating feel, characterized by a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Moreover, the sound profile of the Box Navy switches is resonant and crunchy, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience that resembles stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves.
On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, then the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches are an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a buttery and mild feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Silent Brown switches have a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing sound compared to regular mechanical switches.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches are ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience with prominent tactile feedback and a resonant, crunchy sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches are perfect for those who prefer a comfortable typing experience with a lighter feel, a rounded tactile bump, and a muted sound profile. Consider your preferences for typing force, sound, and feel, and choose the switch that best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on your preferences and requirements.
Mentioned in this article
