Kailh Box Navy vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that can provide a heavy and satisfying typing experience, the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Not only do these switches offer a clicky sound signature that brings nostalgia from the vintage keyboards of the 80s, but they also provide a tactile feel that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more versatile switch that can cater to a variety of users, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches might be the right choice for you. These switches, with their cream-colored appearance, offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. The medium-weight of the Sunset Yellow switches makes them suitable for a wide range of users, while the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$5.50 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in terms of the material used for both the top and bottom housing. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a unique auditory experience. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences with Box Navy emphasizing clarity and crispness, while Sunset Yellow leans towards a deeper and more pleasing sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box Navy utilizes a nylon material. This nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. The absorption of sound by softer plastics like nylon leads to a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying typing experience with a rich auditory feedback. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow features a POM bottom housing, resulting in another deep and muted sound profile, complementing the POM top housing. Both switches share a focus on a deeper sound, making them suitable for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience.

When considering the combination of the top and bottom housing in each switch, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom parts of the switch. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Thus, for both the Kailh Box Navy and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, the top and bottom housing materials play distinct roles in shaping the overall typing experience, resulting in similar results in terms of sound profiles but with their own unique characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences for typists and gamers. The Box Navy switch has a relatively heavy actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a considerable amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, it has a heavy bottom out force of 90 grams, meaning one must press down firmly to fully engage the key. This heaviness may be appealing to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience, offering a tactile feedback and a sense of durability.

In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a lighter experience with an actuation force of 43 grams, requiring less force to activate each key. Similarly, its bottom out force is lighter at 51 grams, allowing for a more effortless bottoming out experience. This lighter touch can be advantageous for those who prefer extended periods of typing or gaming, as it reduces the strain and fatigue on the fingers and hands.

While the Box Navy switch offers a heavier and more pronounced typing experience, the Sunset Yellow switch presents a lighter and more effortless keystroke. Depending on personal preference and typing style, individuals can choose between these two options to suit their needs. It is worth noting, however, that both switches deliver reliable and tactile feedback, ensuring satisfactory keystrokes. Ultimately, whether opting for a heavier or lighter force, these switches guarantee an enjoyable typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. These distances indicate the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. In terms of comparison, both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating that they provide a more responsive experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. However, it is worth noting that the Box Navy has a slightly longer travel distance than the Sunset Yellow. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a hearty depth and a slightly longer travel distance, the Box Navy would be the suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for maximum responsiveness, the Sunset Yellow would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on your personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a clean and sharp sound with a higher-pitched tone, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. The sound is akin to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch provides a bassy and thocky sound experience. Typing on these switches produces a deep, rich sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound of collapsing mahjong tiles colliding can be heard, creating an indulgent and satisfying audio experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's housing and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with every keypress. They offer a high feedback intensity, providing a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. The Everglide Sunset Yellow switch, on the other hand, provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. The POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, allowing users to effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction, thanks to its polished finish and lubrication.

Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Box Navy switch is best suited for those who appreciate a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch. These switches offer a resonant sound profile with a clean and sharp tone. They provide sharp tactile feedback and a snappy feel, making each keypress immersive and distinguishable. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is ideal for users looking for a captivating and indulgent typing experience. With a rich, bassy sound and a thocky profile, typing becomes a satisfying auditory journey. The switches offer a smooth, frictionless, and polished sensation, gliding effortlessly with reduced friction and a silky feel.

If you are seeking a heavy and clicky typing experience with distinctive tactile feedback and a resonant sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch would be the preferred choice. However, if you prefer a smoother and indulgent typing experience with a rich sound and a creamy sensation, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch would be a great option. Both switches offer unique qualities catering to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a prominent tactile bump and love the sound signature of clicky switches, the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. With a bottom-out force of 90 grams, these switches hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, offering a resonant and crunchy sound profile. The strong and crisp tactile bump provides an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches are an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of 51 grams, these switches provide a rich and bassy sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. The POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between Kailh Box Navy and Everglide Sunset Yellow comes down to your preference for weight, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more