Kailh Box Navy vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options to consider are the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch. The Box Navy switches are a fantastic choice for those who crave a heavy typing experience and enjoy the satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback. Reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, these switches offer a sharp, resonant, and invigorating key press, making your typing sessions feel truly nostalgic. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 silent tactile switches bring a different level of excitement to the table. With a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump during each key press, typing on these switches provides a pleasantly tactile experience. In addition, the U4s offer a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding a touch of luxury to your typing. Furthermore, the U4s have a sound profile that is remarkably quiet, making them perfect for those who prefer a muted and low-pitched typing experience. However, let's now dive deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing material of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gazzew U4, there are notable differences in terms of the top and bottom housing materials used. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer plastic enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, sometimes called "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the Box Navy's polycarbonate brings a more transparent and resonant sound, while the U4's proprietary blend offers a deep and full sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box Navy employs a nylon material, which is a classic housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the U4 also utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend for the bottom housing, providing a similar rich and deep sound profile due to the material's softness. Although they both offer depth in sound, the Box Navy's nylon bottom housing may provide a slightly different sound experience compared to the U4's Gazzew blend.
Considering how the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of the switches, it's important to note that the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the choice of housing material for the bottom will greatly influence the overall typing experience. Conversely, the sound when letting go of a key is more influenced by the top housing. Therefore, the choice of top housing material, whether it be polycarbonate or the Gazzew blend, will have a notable impact on the sound produced when releasing a key.
In summary, the Kailh Box Navy and Gazzew U4 differ in their choice of housing materials, specifically in the top and bottom housings. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound profile, while the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing provides a deep and rich sound experience. Both switches utilize soft materials such as nylon and the Gazzew blend for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the specific qualities of each housing material will affect different aspects of the sound and typing feel. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Box Navy switch boasts a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, whereas the U4 switch requires a lighter force of 43 grams for actuation. This discrepancy means that the Box Navy switch provides a more pronounced push feel during typing, offering a more substantial typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy switch requires 90 grams, showcasing its heavier nature once again. Conversely, the U4 switch features a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a more moderate option.
Considering weight, it becomes clear that the Box Navy switch is the heavier of the two. This heavier weight may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel and enjoy a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the U4 switch provides a more effortless and lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. If a lighter typing experience is desired, the U4 switch is the preferable choice.
In summary, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch. However, it is worth mentioning that both switches provide unique benefits depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 3.6 mm of distance traveled. Therefore, the travel distance is the same for both switches, resulting in a similar tactile experience for 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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50.
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
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best known for its heavy typing experience and the nostalgic sound signature and tactility reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. When typing on them, you can expect a resonant sound profile with a clean and sharp sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The tactile feedback is sharp and invigorating, providing a distinct and immersive typing sensation. The actuation force is on the stiffer side, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a different experience. These switches are silent and known for their sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. The bottom-out sensation is unexpectedly plush, providing a felt-like feel. The sound profile of the U4 is muted and whisper quiet, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, with a low-pitched tone that is bass-heavy and mellow.
Overall, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be a great choice. It provides a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a higher actuation force. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent and tactile switch with a muted sound profile and a plush bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 switch would be ideal. Both switches offer a sharp tactile bump and can provide similar feedback in terms of feel. However, if you prioritize a specific sound or typing experience, you can choose accordingly based on the information provided.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound profile hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a more subtle sound and feel, then the Gazzew U4 tactile switches are the way to go. With the U4s, you'll experience a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4s also have a whisper quiet sound profile, making them a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience you are looking for.
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