Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Yellow Silver

Overview

If you are in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Yellow Silver. Each switch offers its own unique features and benefits, catering to different preferences and needs. The Box Navy is renowned for providing a heavy typing experience along with a distinct clicky sound and tactile feel, reminiscent of the buckling keyboards popular in the 80s. Its sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff qualities create an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for both gamers and typists who value speed and responsiveness. Whether you prioritize a robust, nostalgic typing experience or a swift, quiet performance, these switches offer excellent options. However, let's delve further into the specifics to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$5.50 per 10

$3.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.

In terms of bottom housings, both switches employ nylon as the material of choice. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, whether using the Kailh Box Navy or the Outemu Yellow Silver, users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to the qualities brought forth by the nylon material.

However, it's worth noting that if a switch features different top and bottom housings, the distinct characteristics of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. So, depending on the particular combination of housings, the overall sound profile and tactile experience of the switch may vary slightly between the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Yellow Silver.

In conclusion, while the housing materials for the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches are predominantly the same, with both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, there may be subtle differences in their overall sound profiles due to potential variation in the combination of housings. Nonetheless, the qualities attributed to polycarbonate and nylon in terms of sound and typing experience remain consistent, providing users with reliable and distinct characteristics in their switch choices.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the weight of the forces is worth considering for various reasons. In terms of actuation force, the Box Navy requires 60 grams of force, while the Yellow Silver requires 45 grams. This makes the Yellow Silver lighter and may be preferable for those who need to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel, the Box Navy's heavier actuation force may be more suitable.

Moving on to bottom out force, the Box Navy requires 90 grams of force to fully press down, while the Yellow Silver requires 55 grams. Here, too, the Yellow Silver is lighter. Bottom out force refers to the amount of force required to press a key all the way down. Therefore, those seeking a lighter overall typing experience might find the Yellow Silver appealing due to its lower bottom out force.

In summary, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Navy is heavier in both categories, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams. In contrast, the Yellow Silver is lighter, requiring 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing experience and the desire for lighter or heavier forces.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, it is clear that the Yellow Silver switch has a slightly longer travel distance. The Box Navy switch falls on the shorter end of the traditional travel distance range, while the Yellow Silver switch is closer to the standard 4.0 mm. For gamers or those seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Box Navy switch may be preferable. However, for individuals who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the longer travel distance of the Yellow Silver switch may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the specific feel desired in a keyboard switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches provides a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. The crisp and crunchy sound is similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It offers a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use the switches at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. These switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump, resulting in a high feedback intensity. Each keypress can be distinctly felt, creating an immersive typing sensation. The stiffness of these switches requires applying more force compared to other switches. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is unknown.

Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best suited for those seeking a heavy typing experience with a vintage feel, offering a resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is more suitable for gamers and typists who prefer a speediness and responsiveness, with a neutral sound profile that is favorable for various purposes. While the feel of the Yellow Silver switch is unknown, it's important to note that both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.

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. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver switches are ideal for you. Outemu has consistently produced some of our favorite switches and this Yellow Silver switch features a light actuation force that is favorable for gamers and typists who prefer a speediness and responsiveness.

In terms of sound, the Box Navy switches offer a resonant and crunchy experience. You can expect a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience that sounds like stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switches have a neutral sound profile. They provide a moderate sound that suits most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.

In terms of feel, the Box Navy switches offer a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. With their sharp and crisp tactile bump, they provide a high feedback intensity and create an immersive typing sensation. However, they do require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switches do not have specific descriptors for feel, but they offer a light actuation force and a neutral typing experience.

Overall, it ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing needs. If you enjoy a heavy and tactile typing experience with an immersive sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches are your best choice. However, if you prefer a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile for a speedy and responsive typing experience, the Outemu Yellow Silver switches are the way to go. Both switches have their unique qualities and are suitable for different applications.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Navy Clicky

$5.50 per 10

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Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more