Kailh Box Navy vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, a linear switch. The Box Navy is perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the classic sound and tactility of a clicky switch reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a smooth and creamy typing experience thanks to its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Box Navy is described as sharp and crunchy, the Vanilla Ice Cream is buttery and marbly in feel. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different 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
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Kailh Box Navy and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream have distinct differences. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, the polycarbonate of the Box Navy focuses on clarity and resonance, while the KTT blend of the Vanilla Ice Cream aims for a distinct clacky sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box Navy's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing boasts exceptional durability and smoothness, with wear resistance surpassing nylon and POM materials. While the nylon bottom housing of the Box Navy aims for a thicker sound profile, the POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes smoothness and durability, contributing to its clacky sound and longevity.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Box Navy and the Vanilla Ice Cream may have different top and bottom housing materials, each brings unique qualities to the table. Whether it be the sharp, resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Box Navy or the smooth, clacky sound of POK in the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to the preferences of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that they offer different weights in terms of typing experience. The Box Navy switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a firm and substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Both switches excel in their own way, with the Box Navy offering a heavier typing experience and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a lighter touch for smoother typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer than the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prefer quicker response times. Gamers may lean towards the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press experience may opt for the Kailh Box Navy switch. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a high-pitched and sharp sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that sets it apart from other linear switches, providing a unique auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer the sharp click of the Box Navy or the creamy clack of the Vanilla Ice Cream.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is sharp, invigorating, and stiff, providing a strong tactile bump and a high feedback intensity that can be felt with each keypress. On the contrary, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke that effortlessly glides across the keys. Both switches offer a unique tactile sensation that appeals to different typing preferences, so whether you prefer a sharp and invigorating feel or a smooth and buttery one, there is a switch for you.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different typing preferences. If you prefer a heavy and tactile experience with a resonant and sharp sound, the Box Navy is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and creamy typing sensation with a high-pitched and marbly sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream is the perfect choice. Both switches provide immersive typing experiences that will enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and vintage feel, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the heavier tactile feedback and clickiness of the Box Navy switches or the smoothness and high-pitched sound of the Vanilla Ice Cream switches. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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