Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, one popular option to consider is the Kailh Box Navy, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Silent White, a linear switch. The Box Navy is ideal for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and appreciate the distinctive sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch. Reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, the Box Navy is described as sharp, resonant, invigorating, crunchy, and stiff. On the other hand, the Silent White offers a quieter, smoother typing experience without the audible click of the Box Navy. While the Silent White does not have as distinctive of a reputation as the Box Navy, it is suitable for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Silent White switches, both keyboards feature polycarbonate as their top housing material. This material helps to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its stiff nature, the polycarbonate material produces a clear and resonant sound, making it popular for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material suggest that users can expect a similar sound and feel when typing on both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Box Navy utilizes nylon, while the Silent White also employs nylon for its construction. The nylon material in the bottom housing helps to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other housing materials. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. This common feature in the bottom housing of both switches indicates that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and fullness.
Considering the impact of each housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes clear that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Both the Box Navy and the Silent White switches deliver a balanced combination of materials in their housing construction, offering users a blend of crisp, clear tones from the polycarbonate top housing and deep, full sounds from the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Box Navy switch is the heavier of the two options. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silent White switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a more moderate choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The actuation force of a switch determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to fully press the key down. For individuals who prioritize weight in their typing experience, selecting a switch with a lighter actuation force may be ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for a switch with a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent White has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Box Navy. A 0.3 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can affect the overall typing experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Silent White, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Box Navy. Ultimately, both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, allowing individuals to choose based on their personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Outemu Silent White comes in at $3.10.
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 experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and a clean, sharp sound resembling stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound qualities are unknown. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Box Navy switch provides a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. With a strong tactile bump and high feedback intensity, each keypress on the Box Navy switch is distinctive and immersive. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent White switch is unspecified.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a heavy typing experience with a loud and crisp sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience or are unsure about the feel of the Outemu Silent White switch, it may be best to try them out in person or seek additional information for a better comparison. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a heavy and tactile typing experience with a distinct clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a silent operation, the Outemu Silent White switches would suit your preferences better. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and actuation force when deciding between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and Outemu Silent White switches depends on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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