Kailh Box Navy vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

Are you in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing needs? Look no further, as we bring you two fantastic options to consider: the Kailh Box Navy and the SP-Star Yanyu. If you crave a heavy typing experience and enjoy the satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, then the Box Navy switches are tailor-made for you. Reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, they offer a unique heaviness and resonate with a crunchiness that is truly invigorating. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are ideal for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or have to type for extended periods. With their material blend, they produce a crisp sound profile that is both subtle and polished. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Yanyu features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards a brighter tone. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing is likely to produce a sharper and more resonant sound compared to the Yanyu's blend.

Moving to the bottom housing, the Box Navy incorporates a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing, resulting in a unique sound profile that is also pleasant but with a slightly brighter tone. While both switches possess different materials for their bottom housing, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The characteristics of the bottom housing are particularly noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.

In summary, when comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the SP-Star Yanyu, it is clear that they offer distinct sound profiles. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Yanyu's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing creates a more calming and brighter tone. Similarly, the Box Navy's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Yanyu's blend. However, it is important to note that both switches benefit from their respective housing materials, as they contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a moderately heavy push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Yanyu is unavailable, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Box Navy's bottom out force is heavier at 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams.

Considering weight, preferences vary among individuals. Some favor lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions, ideal for the workplace or extended gaming periods. On the contrary, others prefer a stronger push feel for a more robust typing experience. In this case, they would opt for switches with heavier forces. While the Box Navy leans towards the heavier side with both its actuation and bottom out forces, the Yanyu, with its unknown actuation force and lighter bottom out force, offers a lighter typing experience overall. Therefore, those seeking a lighter switch may find the Yanyu more suitable, while those desiring a heavier and more substantial feel may prefer the Box Navy.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have contrasting travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is the traditional measurement. Gamers who prioritize faster response times tend to prefer shorter travel distances, making the Box Navy a popular choice for them. Its shorter distance allows for quicker key presses and therefore quicker response in gaming scenarios. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who appreciate a more hearty key press, the Yanyu with its longer travel distance could be a better fit. By comparing and contrasting these travel distances, individuals can determine which switch best suits their preferences and needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best known for its heavy typing experience and vintage sound signature reminiscent of buckling keyboards from the 80s. When typing on the Box Navy, you can expect a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, similar to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The sharp and invigorating tactile bump of the Box Navy creates a distinct and immersive typing sensation, with each keypress requiring a higher amount of force to actuate or bottom-out.

On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more delicate typing experience, making it perfect for long typing sessions. The Yanyu switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether used at home or work. The Yanyu switch produces a thocky sound, giving a deep and satisfying "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. The feel of the Yanyu switch is mild, feathery, and subtle, providing a gentle typing experience with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.

To summarize, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a heavy typing experience with a resonant sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, whereas the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provides a delicate typing experience with a neutral sound profile and mild, feathery feel. Despite their differences, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing needs. If you are seeking a heavy and immersive typing experience with a vintage sound, the Box Navy is the way to go. If you prefer a more delicate and gentle typing experience with a thocky sound, the Yanyu switch is a perfect fit. In either case, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with these switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, 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. Additionally, if you enjoy the resonant and crunchy sound profile of a clicky switch, the Box Navy will provide a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more delicate typing experience or need to type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches are a great choice. With its light bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches reduce finger fatigue and provide a comfortable typing experience for extended sessions of gaming, school, or work. Moreover, the Yanyu switches offer a range of sound profiles, from more neutral to thocky, allowing you to find the one that suits your preferences. In terms of feel, the Box Navy offers a sharp and invigorating tactile experience, great for those who appreciate a high feedback intensity. On the other hand, the Yanyu provides a more mild and feathery feel, reducing strain on your fingers and allowing for a gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch depends on your typing preferences and needs.

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