Kailh Box Navy vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are someone who enjoys a heavy typing experience and appreciates the distinct sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. These switches not only provide a satisfying crunch with each keystroke but also offer a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced tactile experience, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is worth considering. Durock has created a unique flavor of tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. It provides a satisfying and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Medium Tactile switches both share similar characteristics in their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the switches. So, if you are looking for switches that offer a clear and resonant sound, with the added bonus of RGB lighting compatibility, both the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Medium Tactile switches will deliver comparable results.
Where the switches differ is in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Box Navy features a nylon bottom housing, while the Medium Tactile utilizes the same nylon material for its bottom housing. Both switches benefit from nylon's properties, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. So, if you prioritize a switch that produces a deeper and fuller sound, both the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Medium Tactile switches will offer similar experiences in this aspect.
It is important to note that with switches featuring different materials for the top and bottom housings, there will be a distinction in the qualities each housing material brings. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will leave a greater impression on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Medium Tactile switches may offer similar sound profiles overall, the specific characteristics of each housing material will affect certain aspects of the typing experience differently.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Navy switch has an actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is currently unknown. However, the Box Navy switch has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In comparison, the Medium Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison to the Box Navy.
Weight plays an important role when considering these switches. Some individuals may favor a lighter actuation force, as it allows for extended periods of typing without strain, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may prefer a heavier actuation force to provide a more satisfying typing experience. In this case, they should choose switches with heavier forces.
Overall, while the actuation force for the Medium Tactile switch is currently unknown, the Box Navy switch stands out with its heavy actuation and bottom out forces. However, if a lighter switch is preferred, the Medium Tactile switch offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, providing a balance between a substantial typing experience and extended typing periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Box Navy has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Box Navy would be the better option. Its shorter travel distance allows for faster response times, making it popular among gamers. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper key press and a more substantial feeling when typing, the Durock Medium Tactile with its longer travel distance would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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 is characterized by its resonant and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched and clean sound that resembles the satisfying crunch of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile's sound qualities are unknown, so we cannot make any definitive comparisons. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile experience. Its tactile bump is strong, crisp, and distinctly felt with every keystroke. These qualities result in a highly feedback-intensive typing sensation that requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. Conversely, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. This means that it provides a prominent level of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. The switch has a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, and offers a gentle and approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with vintage vibes and an immersive sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a perfect fit. They provide a resonant and crunchy sound, as well as a sharp and invigorating tactile feel. However, if you prefer a more balanced and polished tactile experience, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be a great choice. While we don't have specific information about its sound qualities, its accented, stepped, mild, and polished characteristics suggest a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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. When typing on the Box Navy, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The feel is sharp, invigorating, and stiff, with a distinct and strong tactile bump that offers pronounced feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, then the Durock Medium Tactile switches are ideal for you. They offer an accented feel, with a prominent yet not overwhelming tactility, and a stepped sensation that provides some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The sound profile of the Medium Tactile is not explicitly described, but it can be assumed to be mild and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and Durock Medium Tactile switches depends on your preference for heaviness, clickiness, and sound signature. Consider your typing style and personal preferences to make an informed decision.
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