Kailh Box Navy vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Brother mechanical keyboard switches, both are clicky switches that offer a satisfying typing experience. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavier typing feel reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, with a sharp and invigorating sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Brother stands out for its lightweight design and easy-to-press actuation, providing a crisp and crunchy typing experience without feeling burdensome. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Brother switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, allows for a more clear and resonant sound to be produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. This material choice in both switches ensures a consistent and appealing sound profile for users looking for a specific typing experience.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Box Navy and Brother switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. This adds a different dimension to the overall typing experience, providing a softer bottom-out sound and feel compared to the top housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches showcases a well-rounded approach to sound quality and tactile feedback.
While both switches have similarities in their housing materials, the way these materials are utilized ultimately affects the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a more nuanced approach to sound and feel. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. By combining different materials for the top and bottom housings, both the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Brother switches are able to offer a unique and dynamic typing experience for users to enjoy.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the TTC Brother clicky switch's actuation force of 37 grams. The Box Navy also has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, while the Brother's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Kailh Box Navy offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience with a higher resistance to keystrokes compared to the TTC Brother. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may find the TTC Brother to be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who like a heavier typing feel may prefer the Kailh Box Navy. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing weight and force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Brother clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a slightly longer travel distance may find the Box Navy switch more to their liking, as it offers a bit more depth to the keystrokes. On the other hand, those looking for a more immediate response may lean towards the TTC Brother switch. Overall, the differences in travel distance between the two switches are minimal and users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 it comes to sound, both the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Brother clicky switches are described as having a "crunchy" sound signature, similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This characteristic is commonly associated with clicky switches and is sure to please enthusiasts of this type of switch. Additionally, the sound profile of the Box Navy is noted to be resonant, providing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience, while the Brother's sound is described as satisfyingly crunchy. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a pleasing sound experience, with the specific nuances being dependent on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Turning to the feel of these switches, the Kailh Box Navy is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, offering a high level of feedback intensity and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate. On the other hand, the TTC Brother switch is characterized by being easy-to-press and stepped, providing gentle resistance during key presses and a two-stage tactile feel. While these switches offer different tactile experiences, both are tailored to enhance typing comfort and efficiency, catering to a range of user preferences.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box Navy and TTC Brother clicky switches have distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both excel in their own right within the clicky switch category. Whether you prefer the heftiness and resonant sound of the Box Navy or the breezy actuation and gentle resistance of the Brother, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavy typing experience with a high feedback intensity and a unique vintage feel, then the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter touch with a crisp and crunchy sound signature that doesn't require as much force to actuate, then the TTC Brother clicky switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of weight, sound, and typing feel. Whether you opt for the robust and resonant Box Navy or the breezy and invigorating TTC Brother, both switches offer their own distinctive typing experience that is sure to please any clicky switch enthusiast.
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