Kailh Box Navy vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Jwick Taro 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 delivers the satisfying sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. These switches not only offer a weighty feel but also have a sound signature and tactility reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued typing experience with a medium level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks, then the Jwick Taro switches are worth considering. With their comfortable and muted color scheme, these Taro switches provide a cozy 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Jwick Taro switches are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will have a similar sound profile and aesthetic when it comes to the top housing. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while also allowing for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing in both switches is relatively stiffer, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the materials differ. The Box Navy uses a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, which results in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Taro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile.
It's important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and the bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This means that both the Kailh Box Navy and the Jwick Taro switches will exhibit similar characteristics in terms of the top housing, but their differences lie in the sound produced when the keys are pressed down.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see some key differences. The Box Navy requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Taro's actuation force is unavailable. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy is even heavier with 90 grams compared to the Taro's 67 grams, which makes it a medium-heavy switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Taro switch would be a more suitable choice as its actuation force is likely to be lighter than the Box Navy. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Navy clicky switch is geared towards individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Navy provide a more substantial typing experience.
While the actuation force of the Taro switch remains unknown, those looking for a similar result to the Box Navy's heavier feel can still achieve it through its higher bottom out force compared to the lighter Taro switch. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences - those seeking a lighter experience may opt for the Taro, while those desiring a heavier and more robust feel may lean towards the Box Navy.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Box Navy with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper keystroke that feels more substantial, the Taro with its slightly longer travel distance may be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. The sound is often compared to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, giving a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch provides a neutral sound profile. It doesn't have any extreme characteristics, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan on using them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. These switches are known for their high feedback intensity, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. They require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, giving a weighty typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch offers a buttery and stepped feel. The keystrokes on these switches are smooth and fluid, providing an effortless and uniform typing sensation. The stepped feel refers to a mild tactile feedback where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Navy and Jwick Taro switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Navy provides a heavy and vintage typing experience with a resonant sound profile and sharp tactile feel. It's a great option for those who prefer a weighty feel and enjoy the nostalgic sound of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a buttery keystroke sensation. It's a versatile switch suitable for various users and purposes.
If you are looking for a similar heavy typing experience, the Taro switch provides a nice alternative with its stepped feel and moderate actuation force requirement. Similarly, if you enjoy the crisp clacks of the Box Navy switch, the sharp tactile feedback of the Jwick Taro switch can provide a comparable typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the specific requirements of your typing style and environment.
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. When typing on a Box Navy switch, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile that is clean and sharp. The sharp and invigorating tactile bump provides a high feedback intensity, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a cozy typing experience, then the Jwick Taro switches are the way to go. These switches provide a snappy, medium-level of tactility, while emitting acute and crisp clacks. The Taro switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of purposes, with a buttery, seamless typing feel. If you prefer a switch with a stepped tactile feel, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, then the Taro switches will be a good choice. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch depends on your preference for weight, sound profile, and tactile feel. Consider these factors and choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences. In the end, both switches offer unique experiences and can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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