Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch to the TTC Venus linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Box Navy is perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and the satisfying sound of a clicky switch reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Venus stands out with its smooth and nearly frictionless glide, coupled with a unique "Q-texture" resistance that makes each keystroke feel smooth and engaging. While the Box Navy is characterized by sharpness and crunchiness, the Venus is known for its buttery texture and subdued sound signature. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Venus, we see a stark contrast in their top housings. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Venus utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings, we find another point of differentiation between the two switches. The Box Navy incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder tone. Conversely, the Venus opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, offering a sharper, more resonant sound. Again, the choice between these materials depends on individual preferences - whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, more clear tone.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Venus offer distinct sound profiles, they both provide quality switches with unique characteristics. Both switches demonstrate how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted tone of POM, both switches offer a different typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of sound profile that best suits your typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Box Navy is heavier in both aspects. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a lighter option for users who prefer a smoother and potentially less fatiguing typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter weight switch may find the Venus more suitable, especially for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a heavier weight switch may opt for the Box Navy for a more robust tactile feedback. 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 and the TTC Venus linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Venus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Box Navy's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for quick key presses, while the Venus's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy auditory experience, characterized by a high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch provides a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound signature that wraps each keystroke in a gentle auditory embrace. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, with the Box Navy leaning towards a sharper and more immersive clicky sound, while the Venus switch delivers a softer and more mellow typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch gives a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, with a pronounced tactile bump that offers a strong and crisp typing sensation suited for heavy typists. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch provides a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished typing experience, characterized by a smooth and uniform keystroke that minimizes resistance and friction. While the Box Navy switch accentuates its tactile feedback with a firm actuation force, the Venus switch prioritizes a smooth and effortless typing experience ideal for rapid and comfortable typing sessions.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of both sound and feel. The Box Navy switch caters to individuals seeking a heavy and tactile typing experience with a resonant and crunchy clicky sound profile, while the Venus switch provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched and muted sound signature. Both switches excel in their respective qualities, providing users with unique options depending on their preferred typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a heavier, tactile typing experience with a sharp clicky sound (Box Navy) or a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a muted sound profile (TTC Venus).
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, your choice will ultimately come down to your desired typing experience. If you prefer a heavy typing experience with a loud and crisp sound, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a lighter touch, the TTC Venus switches will better suit your needs. Consider how you type and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best decision for your preferences.
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