Kailh Box Navy vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a keyboard switch with a heavy typing experience and a distinct clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches not only provide a satisfying tactile feedback but also offer a sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press and a snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi switches are an excellent option. These tactile switches are designed to enhance your typing experience, delivering a truly immersive feel. Additionally, the Kiwi switches come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the TKC Kiwi switches differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its translucency is useful for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that results in a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks while typing. While both offer unique sound characteristics, the Box Navy's polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE provides a distinct and bright quality.
Moving to the bottom housings, the Box Navy incorporates a nylon material that delivers a deep and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing, again introducing a newer material into the equation. UHWMPE brings about a very bright and resonant sound, contributing to the clacking sound when typing on switches with such housings. The Box Navy's nylon bottom housing emphasizes depth and absorption, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE offers a brighter and more resonant sound.
When the top and bottom housings have different materials, their qualities are distributed across the switch. Pressing down on the switch enhances the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Box Navy, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing. On the other hand, the sound when letting go of a key is influenced more by the top housing. In the Kiwi's case, the UHWMPE top housing's bright sound signature becomes more pronounced when releasing a key. While the specific housing materials vary, both switches offer distinctive sound experiences through the split distribution of these qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to the typist. The Box Navy switch has a heavier feel, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams. This makes it ideal for those seeking a substantial typing experience, as pressing the keys requires a stronger push. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch has a lighter touch, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. This lighter weight can be advantageous for individuals who prefer to type for longer periods of time, such as for work or extended gaming sessions. It is important to note that although the forces differ, both switches provide satisfying results based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have distinct differences in their travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kiwi has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is the most common and considered the standard, while 3.0 mm is on the shallower end. However, the recent trend has seen shorter travel distances gaining popularity, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. So, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Box Navy with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Kiwi's longer travel distance would be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the individual's preference for either a shorter and snappier response or a more deliberate and substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00.
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
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is best known for its heavy typing experience and vintage buckling keyboard sound signature. When typing on a Box Navy switch, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile that resembles stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The sharp and invigorating tactile feedback of the Box Navy switch provides a distinct and immersive typing sensation. Additionally, these switches are described as stiff, requiring more force for actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. The sound profile of the Kiwi switch is low-pitched and neutral, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Box Navy switch. The feel of the Kiwi switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, offering a mild tactile experience with prominent tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches are lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience. In conclusion, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a resonant sound profile and distinct tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch would be a perfect fit for you. However, if you prefer a medium-strong bump, low-pitched sound profile, and a polished smooth typing experience, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be an excellent choice. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, and depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar satisfying results with either switch.
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. These switches provide a resonant and crunchy sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. Furthermore, the Box Navy switches offer a sharp, invigorating, and stiff feel with a distinct tactile bump for each keypress.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press and a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, then the TKC Kiwi tactile switches would be the ideal choice. The Kiwi switches deliver a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, enhancing your typing experience. With a stepped, accented, and polished feel, these switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a heavy and pronounced typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound, then the Box Navy switches should be your go-to. However, if you prefer a medium-strong tactile bump, a more bass-heavy sound, and a smoother typing experience, then the Kiwi switches would be the better choice for you. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so it's important to consider your preferences and needs when making a decision.
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