Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Silent Red. Each switch offers distinct advantages depending on your personal preferences and requirements. The Box Navy switch is ideal if you crave a heavy typing experience and appreciate the satisfying sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch. With the heftiness and sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, this switch provides a truly invigorating and crunchy typing experience. On the other hand, if you are in need of a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the Silent Red switch is the perfect choice. With its muted sound profile, this switch is ideal for office or shared living space use. It offers a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, ensuring maximum comfort during long typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Kailh Box Navy and TTC Silent Red switches both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This material choice in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Thus, when it comes to the top housing material, both the Box Navy and Silent Red switches offer similar results in terms of sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Box Navy and Silent Red switches differ. The Box Navy switch features a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Red switch also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic compared to harder plastics, resulting in a greater absorption of sound and a duller, rounder sound. Therefore, when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel, both the Box Navy and Silent Red switches offer similar qualities with their nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall impact on sound and feel, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are divided between the two for both switches. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. This ensures that both the Box Navy and Silent Red switches provide a balanced and nuanced typing experience that takes into account both the pressing and releasing of keys.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces showcase clear differences. The Box Navy switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Silent Red switch requires a lighter touch with an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Box Navy switch will require a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke compared to the Silent Red switch.
Moving on to the bottom out forces, the Box Navy switch once again proves to be heavier, with a force of 90 grams needed to fully bottom out. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch has a somewhat lower bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Box Navy switch thus provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience would lean towards the Silent Red switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for extended typing sessions without fatigue. This is especially beneficial for individuals using the keyboard for work purposes or engaging in long gaming sessions. However, for users seeking a more solid and substantial typing experience, the heavier forces of the Box Navy switch would be preferable.
In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch are heavier compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch. While those who desire a lighter touch may prefer the Silent Red, the Box Navy ensures a more forceful and sturdy typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches is unlikely to have a significant impact on responsiveness. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly deeper feel, the Silent Red with its 3.7 mm travel distance may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a shorter, more abrupt feeling when pressed, the Box Navy and its 3.6 mm travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches provides a higher-pitched sound and an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean, sharp, and reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch delivers a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. They are perfect for office or shared living spaces where noise reduction is important. However, 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.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. With each keypress, you will feel a strong and crisp tactile bump. The feedback intensity is high, creating an immersive typing sensation. These switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, providing a more substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel. The keystrokes on these switches are smooth and fluid, offering a seamless and effortless typing experience. The feel is gentle, with characteristics that are approachable to most typists. The switches have a refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Navy switch is best suited for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and appreciate the sound and tactility of a clicky switch reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. It provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile, along with a sharp and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is ideal for those seeking a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. It offers a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Both switches have their own strengths and are suited for different preferences. However, if you are looking for a similar sound profile or typing feel, it is worth considering other switches with similar descriptors, such as the TTC Silent Black or the Kailh Box Brown.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and enjoy the sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Navy switches are an excellent choice. These switches provide a vintage buckling keyboard feel with their heftiness and distinct sound signature. They are perfect for those who appreciate a high-pitched, resonant sound profile and enjoy the satisfying crunchiness that clicky switches offer.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Red switches are the perfect fit for you. These switches deliver a consistent, seamless feel from top to bottom, making typing effortless and comfortable. With their muted sound profile, they are ideal for environments such as offices or shared living spaces where minimizing noise is important. The Silent Red switches offer a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, thanks to their smooth and refined finish.
Ultimately, the choice between Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and TTC Silent Red linear switches depends on your personal preferences and specific needs. If you value a heavy and tactile typing experience with a nostalgic sound, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. However, if you prioritize a quiet and smooth keystroke without sacrificing comfort, the Silent Red switches are the better option. Consider your environment, typing style, and desired sound and feel when making your decision.
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