Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may want to consider the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Strawberry as your top choices. The Box Navy switches are ideal for those who prefer a heavy typing experience and enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of clicky switches. These switches bring back a nostalgic vibe with their reminiscent feel of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches offer a completely different experience. Known for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, these delectable Strawberries have an attractive pink and clear housing to catch your eye. With their low-pitched sound and frictionless operation, they provide a silky and buttery typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Strawberry share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness and its ability to create clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either of these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Navy and the Strawberry differ. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. While it shares the same benefits as the polycarbonate top housing, it may not contribute to the depth and fullness of the sound in the same way as the nylon bottom housing of the Box Navy.
When typing on switches with different top and bottom housings, users can expect a combination of the qualities brought by each housing material. Pressing down on the switch will primarily give the feel and sound influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when letting go of a key will be impacted more by the top housing. This contrast in housing materials allows users to have a diverse typing experience, with the bottom housing contributing to the feel and bottom-out sound, and the top housing enhancing the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Strawberry has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, allowing for a more effortless keystroke.
Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Box Navy is heavier with a force of 90 grams. This provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a balanced resistance.
Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Strawberry switch, which offers a lower actuation and bottom out force. This would be advantageous for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more robust and satisfying typing feel may find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Navy switch to be more suitable.
Overall, it is important to consider the weight of the switch as it greatly influences the typing experience. While the Box Navy switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, the Strawberry switch provides a lighter alternative. By understanding the differences in force requirements between the two switches, individuals can ultimately decide which option best aligns with their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have distances that fall within the range of what is considered traditional, with 4 mm being the most common. However, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Box Navy may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes, which can be beneficial in competitive gaming scenarios. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. In this case, the KTT Strawberry switch, with its longer travel distance, may be the better option as it provides a more satisfying typing experience with a greater sense of key depression. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the user.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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 offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. The sound is often compared to the satisfying crunch of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch provides a low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Overall, the Box Navy switch offers a more distinct and resonant sound, while the Strawberry switch offers a smoother and mellow sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is known for its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. Each keypress on these switches provides a prominent and distinct tactile bump, resulting in a high feedback intensity. These switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out, giving them a stiff feel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. The keys glide effortlessly with minimal resistance or friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing feel. These switches provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Overall, the Box Navy switch offers a sharper and more intense tactile feedback, while the Strawberry switch provides a smoother and effortless typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch excels in providing a heavy typing experience with its sharp tactile feedback and resonant sound. It is reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. While these switches differ in their subjective qualities, both provide enjoyable typing experiences. If you prefer a heavy and tactile typing experience with clicky feedback, the Box Navy switch is an excellent choice. If you prefer a smoother and more effortless typing experience with a mellow sound, the Strawberry switch would be the better option. With either choice, you can expect a high level of satisfaction in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and enjoy the nostalgic sound and tactile feedback of clicky switches, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are an ideal choice for you. These switches offer a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a satisfying and substantial feel with each keystroke. The vintage buckling keyboard sound signature adds to the immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize smooth actuation, comfort, and reliability, the KTT Strawberry linear switches are the perfect fit. With a lower bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a comfortable typing experience without sacrificing performance. The attractive pink and clear housing of the Strawberry switches adds visual appeal to your keyboard. Additionally, the low-pitched sound profile creates a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The feel of the Box Navy switches is characterized by a strong and crisp tactile bump, making each keypress distinct. In contrast, the Strawberry switches provide a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, with minimization of resistance and a fluid key travel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preferences for heaviness, sound, and feel, ensuring a customized typing experience.
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