Kailh Box Navy vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Kailh Box Navy and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Box Navy switches are the go-to choice for those who crave a heavy typing experience and thoroughly enjoy the audible and tactile feedback that clicky switches provide. With a sound signature that harkens back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, the Box Navy switches offer a sense of nostalgia and are categorized as 'Sharp', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', 'Crunchy', and 'Stiff'. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches are designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. These switches strike a perfect balance between tactile feedback and a smooth typing experience, providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched', the Viola Tricolor switches offer a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are very similar. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also enhances the overall aesthetics of the switches. Therefore, both the Kailh Box Navy and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and appearance due to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the switches differ. The Kailh Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing similar qualities of a deep and full sound profile. Both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon, enhancing the overall typing experience.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that both the Kailh Box Navy and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches will have distinct characteristics based on their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the actuation force for the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is not available. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy switch is even heavier at 90 grams, whereas the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch due to its unknown actuation force. This lighter feel allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or during prolonged gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial and forceful push is desired, the Kailh Box Navy switch would be a better choice, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
While it is difficult to directly compare the actuation force of the two switches due to the unavailability of the Viola Tricolor's value, it can be inferred that the Box Navy switch is generally heavier in terms of force requirements for both actuation and bottoming out. However, despite the lack of specific information, it is likely that users can achieve similar results in terms of a heavier typing experience with the Viola Tricolor switch by selecting a variant with a higher actuation force.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference. Some may find the lightness of the Viola Tricolor switch more desirable for longer periods of typing, while others may prefer the weightier and more substantial feel of the Kailh Box Navy switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it can be observed that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although the difference between the two is minimal, it is worth mentioning that both fall within the range of shorter travel distances commonly preferred by gamers for faster response times. Those who prioritize quicker responsiveness may lean towards the Box Navy switch with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key might gravitate towards the Viola Tricolor switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference for either a more decisive reaction or a more immersive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
When comparing the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in both sound and feel.
In terms of sound, the Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp sound profile. The audible feedback resembles the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound. The key presses result in a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range. This sound profile adds character to the typing experience without becoming overwhelming.
Moving on to feel, the Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. The sharp tactile bump in these switches offers a high feedback intensity, allowing users to feel the tactile response distinctly with each keypress. The switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, resulting in a stiffer typing experience. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor switch offers an accented and invigorating feel. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. With a moderate to firm actuation force, these switches create a snappy and reactive typing sensation.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Box Navy switch is best suited for those seeking a heavy typing experience and who appreciate the sound and tactility of a clicky switch reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch strikes a balance between a thuddy and punchy sound profile and a satisfying feedback without being over-tactile. Both switches provide invigorating typing sensations, although with different sound and feel characteristics. It is important to consider personal preferences and the overall setup, including the keyboard and keycaps, when selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound signature hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. With a bottom out force of 90 grams, these switches provide a sense of weight and solidity that can enhance your typing experience. Moreover, the Box Navy switches offer resonant and crunchy sound profiles, which create an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, these switches provide a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, making each keypress satisfyingly distinctive.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a pronounced tactility and a unique sound profile, then the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches might be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches strike a balance between weight and responsiveness. The Viola Tricolor switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. The switches offer an accented tactile feedback, providing a prominent amount of tactility without becoming overwhelming. This balanced feedback ensures a satisfying keypress sensation without sacrificing comfort.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. If you value heavy typing, distinct clicky sound, and a sharp tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer medium-heavy switches, a balanced tactile feel, and a thuddy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor switches will suit your needs better. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
