Kailh Box Navy vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, and the HMX Swift, a linear switch. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the signature sound and tactility of a clicky switch, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and smoothness, with a delicate 42g actuation force providing a unique 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
42g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Swift switches offer distinct characteristics that greatly influence the sound and feel of typing. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Swift's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Navy and the Swift feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and sound-absorbing properties. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch will be impacted by the nylon bottom housing, creating a more rounded sound when typing. Despite the different top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile between the two switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for a consistent and uniform sound experience during typing.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and the HMX Swift ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Swift's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches share nylon bottom housings, resulting in a consistent and uniform sound experience during typing. Whether you prefer the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch, which requires only 42 grams to actuate. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Navy is 90 grams, much heavier than the Swift's 50 grams. This means that the Box Navy requires a stronger push for both actuation and bottoming out, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Swift offers a lighter touch, ideal for users who prefer a lighter weight for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer different experiences based on the desired level of force required, with the Box Navy being the heavier option and the Swift being the lighter option.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Swift. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the feeling of the switch's travel distance during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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, reminiscent of typing on a vintage buckling keyboard. The high-pitched sound and immersive auditory experience make typing on these switches a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a clacky sound profile with a deeper tone due to its nylon housings, providing a smooth and delicate typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, but if you enjoy a sharper, more resonant sound, the Box Navy may be the better choice for you.
In terms of feel, the Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience, with a strong tactile bump that is prominent and satisfying with each keypress. The HMX Swift switch, on the other hand, offers an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy typing feel, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and ensures a comfortable typing experience. The Swift switch's smoothness and lightness contrast with the heftiness and stiffness of the Box Navy switch, offering a different typing sensation altogether. Depending on your preference for feedback intensity and actuation force, you may prefer one switch over the other.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Box Navy switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile, paired with a sharp and invigorating tactile feel, while the HMX Swift switch offers a clacky sound profile and an easy-to-press, feathery feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a heavier, more tactile typing experience with a sharper sound, or a smoother, lighter typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Consider your personal preferences for sound and feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a distinct clicky sound and strong tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the way to go. These switches offer a vintage feel reminiscent of 80s buckling keyboards and require a higher actuation force of 90 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter typing experience with a quieter sound profile, the HMX Swift linear switches with a 50-gram actuation force are a great choice. These switches provide a silky smoothness and a deeper sound profile due to their full nylon housings. Ultimately, the decision between the Box Navy and Swift switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel, sound preference, and the level of force you want to exert while typing.
Mentioned in this article
