Remember when I mentioned in my first keyboards post that I needed to replace the switches in my Kinesis Advantage 360 Pro? Well, I finally made up my mind - but not exactly how I expected.
Instead of desoldering and replacing the switches on my original board, I ended up getting a second Kinesis Advantage 360 Pro - the Signature Edition in full black with Kailh Box Navy switches. And guess what? I'm writing this post on it right now.
Quick Recap
In case you missed the first post, the Kinesis Advantage 360 Pro is that "complicated" curved ergonomic keyboard that takes weeks to learn but becomes incredibly comfortable once you adapt. My original one came with Gateron Brown switches that, to put it kindly, felt and sounded like "two copper plates" grinding together.
The plan was always to replace them with something better - specifically WS Silent Tactile switches. But then I discovered that Kinesis released a Signature Edition in full black with different switch options, including Kailh Box Navy clicky switches.
The Plot Twist: Signature Edition
So instead of going through the desoldering nightmare, I took a different approach. When I found out about the Signature Edition with its full black case and Kailh Box Navy switches, I couldn't resist. The black case looks absolutely stunning, and I was curious about trying clicky switches on this ergonomic layout.
The Kailh Box Navy switches are known for being:
- Extremely tactile - more than any tactile switch
- Very clicky - loud and satisfying
- Heavy actuation - 95g peak force
- Built like tanks - Box switches are incredibly durable
Why Kailh Box Navy?
This was a complete departure from my usual preference for quiet switches. I've always avoided clicky switches because they're too loud for shared spaces. But something about the Box Navy switches intrigued me:
- Clickbar mechanism - different from typical click jacket switches
- Incredibly satisfying - each keypress feels deliberate and rewarding
- Perfect for ergonomic layout - the heavy actuation works well with the Kinesis curve
- Typing rhythm - forces you to type more deliberately
As I'm typing this right now, each keystroke has this amazing "thock-click" that makes writing feel like playing an instrument.
First Impressions: Typing on Box Navy Switches
The difference from my original Gateron Browns is night and day. Where the Browns felt mushy and undefined, the Box Navy switches are crisp and authoritative. Every keystroke is intentional.
The Good:
- Incredible tactility - you know exactly when you've actuated
- Satisfying sound - each key has this deep, resonant click
- Build quality - these switches feel bulletproof
- Works perfectly with the Kinesis curve - the heavy springs complement the ergonomic design
The Reality Check:
- LOUD - seriously, don't use this in an office or late at night
- Heavy - 95g actuation means your fingers will feel it after long sessions
- Addictive - I find myself typing more just to hear the clicks
The Full Black Signature Edition
The aesthetic upgrade is substantial. The full black case looks so much more professional than the original gray/black combo. It's subtle but makes the keyboard feel more premium.
The build quality remains the same tank-like construction I love about the original, but now with a finish that matches my desk setup perfectly.
Was It Worth Getting a Second One?
Absolutely. Instead of spending a weekend desoldering and potentially damaging my original board, I now have:
- Two different typing experiences - quiet Browns for late-night work, clicky Navy for day sessions
- A backup board - if one needs service, I can keep working
- The satisfaction of clicky switches - something I never thought I'd enjoy
The Signature Edition scratched an itch I didn't know I had.
Should You Get the Signature Edition?
If you're already happy with a regular Kinesis Advantage 360 Pro, the Signature Edition might be overkill. But if you:
- Love the ergonomic layout and want to try different switches
- Prefer the full black aesthetic
- Want to experience premium clicky switches
- Can handle the noise (and your family/coworkers can too)
Then yes, it's worth considering.
What About the Original Plan?
I still have that original Kinesis with the terrible Gateron Browns. Maybe someday I'll get around to the switch replacement project - or maybe I'll just keep it as a reminder of how far I've come in my keyboard journey.