Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy and Gateron Type L mechanical keyboard switches, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the satisfying clicky sound that harkens back to vintage keyboards. On the other hand, the Type L is perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch and a more subdued sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Type L switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. In contrast, the Type L utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and duller sound compared to polycarbonate.
Both the Box Navy and the Type L switches have nylon bottom housings, which contribute to the switch's overall sound profile in a similar manner. Nylon's softness and sound absorption properties result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with this material. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when the key is released. Despite having different top housing materials, the bottom housing material in both switches plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Type L can significantly impact the resulting sound profile and typing feel. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the Box Navy creates a sharper sound, while the softer nylon top housing in the Type L produces a deeper sound. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a fuller sound profile, emphasizing the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience. Whether it's polycarbonate or nylon, each material brings its unique qualities to the switch, ultimately affecting the sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it is evident that they offer quite different experiences. The Box Navy has a much heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Type L's lighter 38 grams. Additionally, the Box Navy has a bottom out force of 90 grams, while the Type L bottoms out at 45 grams. This means that the Box Navy provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer heavier switches. On the other hand, the Type L offers a lighter touch, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Overall, the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the feel and performance of a switch, catering to different preferences and needs of users in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Type L linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Navy offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Type L provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, offering a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress feel and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70.
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 switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile with a clean and sharp sound when pressed. This creates an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of vintage clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L switch provides a more neutral and subdued sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a dampened sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for a variety of purposes, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. This creates a satisfying and immersive typing sensation that requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. In contrast, the Gateron Type L switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, requiring little exertion from your fingers and minimal force to activate. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, if you prefer a heavy typing experience with a sharp clicky sound and intense tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter typing experience with a more neutral sound profile and gentle tactile feedback, the Gateron Type L switch would be a better fit. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more subdued sound profile and feathery feel, then the Gateron Type L linear switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal typing style and the kind of tactile and auditory experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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