Kailh Box Jade vs. Kailh Box Navy
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh Box Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, you have a multitude of options to consider. Two popular choices in the clicky switch category are the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh Box Navy. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and strong tactility, then the Box Jade switches are the ideal choice for you. These switches are well-regarded for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, providing an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, if you crave a heavier typing experience and appreciate the sound signature and tactility reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, then the Box Navy switches are the perfect fit. With their sharp, resonant clicks, invigorating tactility, and a stiffness that adds weight to your keystrokes, these switches truly elevate your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
90g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh Box Navy switches are quite similar. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a more pronounced audio feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing aspect to these switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Box Jade or Box Navy switches.
However, the main distinction between the two switches lies in their nylon bottom housings. The Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Box Navy also incorporates this classic switch housing material. Typing on these switches, you can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nature of nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a dulled and rounder sound. Consequently, the bottom housing of both switches significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, adding a distinct tactile experience to each keystroke.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh Box Navy switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile, along with the aesthetic advantage of RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches differentiates them in terms of the sound produced. The softer nylon material in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a unique tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force at 50 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke with a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Box Navy requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This means that typing on the Box Navy switch will require a slightly stronger push.
In terms of the bottom out force, the Box Jade has a force of 60 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance when fully pressing down. In contrast, the Box Navy has a much heavier bottom out force of 90 grams. This means that when typing on the Box Navy, users will experience a more substantial typing experience due to the increased resistance when fully pressing down on the keys.
Considering weight is an important factor in choosing switches, the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the Box Jade would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This is beneficial for extended typing sessions or for gamers who require quick and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel and enjoy a stronger push would lean towards the heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the Box Navy.
Overall, the Box Jade and Box Navy switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. While the Box Jade offers a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Box Navy presents a heavier and more substantial feel. Depending on individual preferences and needs, users can choose the switch that suits their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of these switches is identical, resulting in similar user experiences when typing or gaming. Therefore, both switches offer the same level of tactile feedback and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $5.50. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Box Jade and Box Navy.
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 Jade and Box Navy switches offer different experiences. The Box Jade switches have a high-pitched sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks when pressed. This is complemented by a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Box Navy switches provide a resonant sound that is clean and sharp. Although both switches share the same crunchy sound, the Box Navy offers a higher-pitched and more immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Jade and Box Navy switches have some similarities. Both switches offer an invigorating typing sensation, with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. This creates an immersive experience while typing. However, there are a few differences. The Box Jade switches are described as accented switches, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the Box Navy switches have a sharp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress. Additionally, the Box Navy switches are stiffer, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to the Box Jade switches.
Taking into account all the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box Jade and Box Navy switches cater to different preferences. The Box Jade switches are suited for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience, with a clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile bumps. The sharp and crisp clicks, paired with an invigorating typing sensation, make the Box Jade switches a popular choice. On the other hand, the Box Navy switches are ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. With a resonant sound profile, prominent tactile bump, and stiffer feel, the Box Navy switches offer a unique and immersive typing experience.
If you're looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, the Box Jade and Box Navy switches can provide comparable experiences. Both switches share the same crunchy sound associated with clicky switches, and both offer an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback. However, the Box Jade switches have a higher-pitched sound profile compared to the resonant sound of the Box Navy switches. Additionally, the Box Navy switches have a sharper and more distinct tactile bump, as well as a stiffer feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you want a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. We love their crisp clicks as well as their crunchy tactile bumps when typing on them. These switches provide an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, 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. The Box Navy switches offer a sharp tactile bump and also provide an invigorating typing sensation. Both switches have a crunchy sound profile commonly associated with clicky switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and Box Navy switches depends on your preference for key weight and typing experience.
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