Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and nostalgic clicky sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. With a sound signature and tactility 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 require a quieter typing environment, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are an excellent choice. These linear switches provide a cushiony and pillow-like bottom-out feeling, with minimal audio feedback. They are perfect for those who prefer a more muted and polished typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both have distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Box Navy uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. While both switches offer a satisfying sound, the Box Navy's polycarbonate housing tends to create a more intense and precise auditory experience compared to the Silent Ink Black's INK blend housing.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Box Navy features a nylon material while the Silent Ink Black uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, typing on the Box Navy with its nylon bottom housing elicits a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend bottom housing contributes to its thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as "clacky." While the sound profiles differ slightly, both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Box Navy offering a deeper tone and the Silent Ink Black providing a more distinct clack.
With regards to the impact of the two housings, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Navy adds to its deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black contributes to its distinctive clack. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials differ between the Box Navy and the Silent Ink Black, both switches offer a unique sound experience that is influenced by the qualities of their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have similar actuation forces of 60 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, their bottom out forces differ. The Box Navy has a bottom out force of 90 grams, which is heavier compared to the Silent Ink Black's bottom out force of 70 grams, making the Box Navy switch the heavier option.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Ink Black switch, as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This lighter weight is especially advantageous for individuals who use their keyboards for extended work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial and satisfying typing experience may be inclined towards the Box Navy switch with its heavier bottom out force. This force provides a stronger push feel, ensuring a more solid and substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
While the actuation forces of both switches are the same, their bottom out forces offer different levels of resistance. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results in terms of actuation force can opt for either switch, but those desiring a lighter typing experience should choose the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, while those preferring a heavier push feel should select the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we can see that there is a slight difference. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent Ink Black has a traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is commonly found in switches, while the Box Navy offers a slightly shorter travel distance. This shorter distance may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Silent Ink Black with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best known for its heavy typing experience and vintage sound signature. Typing on the Box Navy switch produces a resonant and crunchy sound, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. The high-pitched sound profile and immersive auditory experience create a satisfying typing sound. In terms of feel, the Box Navy switch offers a sharp and invigorating experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump is prominent, providing high feedback intensity with each keypress. Additionally, the Box Navy switch is known for its stiffness, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out. This adds to the overall tactile experience and typing sensation.
On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is preferred for quieter typing environments. The Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for situations where noise reduction is desired. In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky and polished typing experience. The exceptionally smooth keystrokes enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance during key presses. This smoothness can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Comparing the two, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Box Navy switch is renowned for its heavy typing experience, resonant and crunchy sound, sharp tactile feedback, and stiffness, providing an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch excels in quieter typing environments, offering a muted sound profile, silky and polished feel, and smooth key travel. Each switch is suited to different preferences and environments. If you prefer a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound, the Box Navy is the way to go. If you prioritize quietness and smoothness, the Silent Ink Black will deliver a pillow-like typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on individual preferences 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. On the other hand, if you are in an environment that necessitates quieter typing, then the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are a great choice. They offer a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. In terms of sound, the Box Navy switches provide a resonant and crunchy experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The Silent Ink Black switches, on the other hand, produce a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Box Navy switches offer a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly. The Silent Ink Black switches, on the other hand, provide a silky and polished feel, enhancing the smoothness of the typing experience and reducing friction. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches depends on your preference for heavy typing and clicky sound or quieter typing and smoothness.
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