Kailh Box Navy vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a robust, clicky experience, the Kailh Box Navy switches are an excellent choice. These switches are designed with a heavy typing experience in mind, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. With a sound profile characterized as sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff, the Box Navy offers both a satisfying tactile feedback and a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more refined sound profile and a combination of tactile feedback and quietness, the Gazzew U4Tx switches may be the perfect fit for you. These switches provide a delightful "thock" sound when bottoming out, accompanied by whisper-quiet topping out. Each keystroke offers a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. Categorized as bassy, muted, and sharp in terms of sound, the U4Tx switches offer a unique typing sensation. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best switch decision for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gazzew U4Tx switches exhibit distinct differences. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," produces a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This softer plastic contributes to a more mellow and sonorous sound when typing.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Box Navy features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on nylon switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's comparatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic." This distinct blend of plastic offers a similar softness to nylon, giving the U4Tx switches their characteristic rich and deep sound profile.
It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings of a switch contribute different characteristics to the overall typing experience. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The qualities of the top housing, on the other hand, are more noticeable when releasing a key. While the Kailh Box Navy and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in their specific housing materials, both switches provide unique and desirable sound profiles through the combination of their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Navy switch has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, making it a heavier switch overall. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch has an unknown actuation force, but a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy switch.
Considering weight is important when choosing a switch, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel might opt for the U4Tx switch, as it allows for longer periods of typing without strain. This makes it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who seek a more substantial and tactile typing experience may prefer the Box Navy switch, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
In terms of actuation force, the U4Tx switch's specific value is unavailable, therefore similar results to the Box Navy cannot be explicitly determined. However, since the Box Navy has a heavier actuation force, it can be inferred that the U4Tx switch's actuation force is likely to be lighter in comparison. Overall, while the Box Navy is the heavier switch between the two, both switches offer their own unique characteristics to cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you would feel the same distance of travel. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, with the Box Navy clicky switch having a distinct click sound while the U4Tx tactile switch offers a softer tactile bump. Whether you choose the Box Navy clicky switch or the U4Tx tactile switch, you can expect a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a similar amount of travel distance.
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 U4Tx 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 vintage buckling keyboard sound signature. When typing on the Box Navy, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The sound is sharp and clean, providing an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Box Navy offers a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. Its tactile bump is strong and crisp, creating a distinct sensation with each keypress. Additionally, the Box Navy is described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch combines the best of both worlds, offering a cleaner and refined sound profile. When typing on the U4Tx, you can expect a deep and resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. The sound profile of the U4Tx is bassy, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is also described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. Unfortunately, no specific information is provided regarding the U4Tx's feel except that it belongs to the sharp tactile switch category, indicating a high feedback intensity and a prominent tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Box Navy provides a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, accompanied by a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a cleaner and refined sound profile with a deep and bassy tone, providing a luxurious typing experience with a sharp tactile bump. While the specific feel of the U4Tx is not mentioned, it can be expected to deliver a similar high feedback intensity and distinct tactile bump as a sharp tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and enjoy the sound and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a perfect fit for you. With a bottom out force of 90 grams, these switches provide a satisfyingly heavy feel while typing. The vintage buckling keyboard sound signature adds to the nostalgia and immerses you in a truly classic keyboard experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner and refined sound profile, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, then the Gazzew U4Tx switches are the way to go. These switches bring together the best of both worlds, offering a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The sharp and satisfying tactile bump ensures a luxurious typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Box Navy switches produce a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of vintage keyboards and crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches offer a bassy sound with a muted quality, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, both the Box Navy and U4Tx switches provide a sharp and intense tactile feedback. However, the Box Navy switches are also described as invigorating and stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out. The U4Tx switches focus solely on delivering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and Gazzew U4Tx switches depends on your personal preferences. If you crave a heavier typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. For a cleaner, refined sound profile and a medium-heavy tactile experience, the U4Tx switches offer a luxurious typing sensation. Both switches have unique qualities that enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience. In closing, choose the one that aligns with your desired sound and feel for the ultimate typing pleasure.
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