Kailh Box Navy vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a heavy typing experience and a satisfying sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the perfect fit for you. With a clicky switch design reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, the Box Navy switch offers a unique sensation and audible feedback that is both sharp and invigorating. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that combines a bassy "thock" sound with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4T switch should be your top choice. The U4Ts provide a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, delivering auditory and tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. However, let's delve deeper beyond these general descriptions so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
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
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gazzew U4T differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, which not only provides a transparent aesthetic suitable for RGB lighting but also creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its stiffness allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile. In contrast, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While the Box Navy prioritizes clarity and resonance, the U4T emphasizes a more rounded and fuller sound.
The distinction between the bottom housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Gazzew U4T is equally noteworthy. Nylon serves as the classic switch housing material for the Box Navy's bottom housing. This choice imparts a sense of depth and fullness to the typing experience. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the U4T incorporates its proprietary Gazzew blend for the bottom housing, which shares many characteristics with the top housing. "Boba plastic" fosters a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, carrying forward the U4T's commitment to a more substantial auditory experience.
While the two switches diverge in their housing materials, it is crucial to acknowledge the impact each material has on the overall sound and feel of the switch. For switches with differing top and bottom housings, the qualities attributed to each housing material are divided between the top and bottom aspects of the key press. Consequently, when pressing down on the switch, the attributes of the bottom housing become prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound experienced when releasing the key is primarily influenced by the top housing. Despite their differences, it is evident that both the Kailh Box Navy and the Gazzew U4T aim to deliver distinct sound profiles tailored to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Box Navy switch has a relatively heavy actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a significant push in order to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force of the U4T switch is currently unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Navy switch requires a force of 90 grams to fully press down, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the U4T switch has a lower bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a slightly lighter feeling when typing.
Considering the weight aspect, some users may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions, especially when using a keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. These individuals would likely favor the U4T switch due to its potentially lower actuation force. On the other hand, there are users who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Navy switch would be more suitable.
Overall, while the actuation force of the U4T switch is currently unknown, it is safe to assume that it may provide a lighter typing experience compared to the Kailh Box Navy switch. However, both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preferences and desired typing sensations.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer contrasting travel distances. The Kailh Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This discrepancy in travel distance can greatly impact the typing experience. Gamers, for instance, often prioritize shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Kailh Box Navy an ideal choice. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may gravitate towards the Gazzew U4T with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for either a shorter and more responsive feel or a deeper, more pronounced keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50.
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 sound signature. When typing on the Box Navy, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and higher-pitched, providing an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Box Navy offers a sharp and invigorating typing sensation with its strong and crisp tactile bump. It requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, resulting in a stiff key feel.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. The U4T provides a bassy thock sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. It resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones, creating auditory satisfaction. The U4T also offers a sharp tactile bump, allowing for high feedback intensity and a distinctive feel with each keypress.
Comparing the sound qualities, the Kailh Box Navy has a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile, while the Gazzew U4T has a bassy and deeper sound profile. Both switches provide an immersive auditory experience, but the Box Navy offers a crunchy sound resembling autumn leaves, while the U4T offers a satisfying thock sound. Keep in mind that the choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound of the switch.
When it comes to feel, both the Box Navy and U4T offer a sharp tactile bump, resulting in high feedback intensity. The Box Navy has been described as invigorating, offering a snappy and reactive feel, although it requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. On the other hand, the U4T's feel has not been described in detail, so it's uncertain how it compares to the Box Navy in terms of force required or bottom-out sensation.
In conclusion, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a vintage sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is an excellent choice. It offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as a sharp and invigorating tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility with a bassy sound profile, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is worth considering. Although the specific feel of the U4T is unknown, its sharp tactile bump suggests a similar feedback intensity to the Box Navy. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and typing 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 a Box Navy switch, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. The sharp and invigorating tactile feedback of the Box Navy switches will create an immersive typing sensation for those who prefer a prominent and distinct tactile bump.
On the other hand, if you desire a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility in your typing experience, the Gazzew U4T switches are the way to go. The U4Ts offer a medium bottom out force, providing a comfortable typing feel. These switches produce a bassy and thocky sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sharp tactile feedback of the U4T switches is also prominent, allowing you to feel the distinct bump with each and every keypress.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and Gazzew U4T switches depends on your specific preferences. If you prioritize a heavier typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound, as well as an invigorating, strong, and crisp tactile feedback, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a bassy and thocky sound profile, and a sharp tactile feedback that is also prominent, then the Gazzew U4T switches will provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience. Consider your typing style and preferred sound and feel when making your decision.
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