Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron CM. The Box Navy switch is perfect for those who crave a heavy typing experience and enjoy the satisfying clicky sound associated with vintage buckling keyboards. Its signature features include sharpness, resonance, invigoration, crunchiness, and stiffness. On the other hand, the CM switch breaks away from tradition with its full nylon housing, resulting in a richer and deeper sound signature. Additionally, these switches come pre-lubricated for a seamless typing experience and offer a bouncy sensation due to their lengthened, dual-staged springs. Described as buttery, bassy, polished, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, and frictionless, the CM switch offers a unique typing journey. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you decide which switch is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron CM differ in the materials used for their top and bottom housings. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, while the CM uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the CM elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Navy and the CM utilize nylon as the material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and higher sound absorption. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches share these characteristics, providing users with a consistent typing experience that emphasizes a deep and full sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the two switches differ in material, the impact they have on the overall sound and feel of the switch remains similar. The bottom housing of a switch determines the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing a key. As such, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, regardless of whether they choose the Kailh Box Navy or the Gateron CM, as both utilize accommodating materials for the respective housing parts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight that can affect typing preferences. The Kailh Box Navy switch has a relatively heavy actuation force of 60 grams and an even heavier bottom out force of 90 grams. Conversely, the Gateron CM switch is lighter with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron CM switch would be more suitable as it requires less force to activate and bottom out. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. However, for users who enjoy the sensation of a more substantial key press, the Kailh Box Navy switch would provide a stronger push feel. This can enhance the typing experience by providing a more tactile and satisfying response.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences. The Kailh Box Navy switch offers a heavier and more forceful typing experience, while the Gateron CM switch provides a lighter option. However, if someone desires similar results to the Kailh Box Navy without the heaviness, the Gateron CM switch could still potentially deliver a comparable experience, albeit with slightly lighter forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron CM linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Box Navy or the CM switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy auditory experience. Typing on these switches will result in a clean and sharp higher-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of vintage keyboards from the 80s and the satisfying sound of stepping on piles of crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch provides a bassy and thocky sound profile. The lower frequency range of these switches delivers a deeper and richer tone during key presses, creating a sensation akin to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" that is both satisfying and calming. While the exact sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps, these descriptions give a general idea of the sound characteristics of each switch.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. The high feedback intensity and prominent tactile bump make each keypress distinct, providing a strong and crisp sensation. However, it also requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches, necessitating a bit more pressure when typing. In contrast, the Gateron CM linear switch provides a buttery, polished, and creamy typing experience. The smooth and fluid keystroke allows for seamless and effortless typing, accompanied by a uniform sensation. These switches have reduced friction due to either materials used or factory lubing, resulting in a sleek and frictionless typing journey. Overall, the Gateron CM linear switch provides a smoother and more effortless typing experience, while the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a more tactile and robust feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and Gateron CM linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Box Navy switch delivers a resonant and crunchy sound with a sharp and invigorating feel, ideal for those seeking a heavy and tactile typing experience. Meanwhile, the CM switch provides a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing journey. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, so whether you opt for the Box Navy or the CM, you can expect satisfactory results based on the desired qualities outlined.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a clicky switch and enjoy the sound signature and tactility reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their 90 gram bottom out force provides a satisfyingly heavy feel while the higher-pitched and crunchy sound profile adds to the immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch that delivers a richer and deeper sound signature, the Gateron CM switches are an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a full nylon housing, these switches offer an effortlessly smooth typing journey. The lengthened, dual-staged spring further enhances the bouncy typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Box Navy switches offer a clean and sharp resonant sound profile, accompanied by the satisfying crunch usually associated with clicky switches. In contrast, the CM switches provide a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound, reminiscent of deep "thuds" or soft "knocks" during key presses.
When it comes to feel, the Box Navy switches have a sharp and invigorating tactile bump, providing high feedback intensity with each keypress. The CM switches, on the other hand, offer a buttery, polished, creamy, or frictionless typing experience, with smooth and fluid key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron CM linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy heavy and clicky switches with a distinctive sound and strong tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches are an ideal choice. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a rich and deep sound signature, along with smooth and effortless key travel, the CM switches are the way to go. Consider your typing preferences and desired experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard. In closing, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the typing experience and provide a range of options to suit different preferences.
Mentioned in this article
