Kailh Berry vs. Kailh Box Mute Jade

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the options can feel overwhelming. However, two popular choices worth considering are the Kailh Berry, a linear switch, and the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch. The Berry switches are best known for their hefty typing experience, providing a springy feel and a chalk-like texture. The sound profile of these linear switches is fairly deep, offering a textured, low-pitched, and bassy tone. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade switches appeal to those who prefer a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile. While still maintaining a satisfying crunchy feel, these switches feature a quiet clicky sound signature, providing an accented, crunchy, stiff, and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The Kailh Berry and the Kailh Box Mute Jade share similar housing materials, with both switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clear, resonant properties. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience and aesthetic when using either the Berry or the Box Mute Jade.

However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing of these switches. The Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar deeper and fuller sound experience when typing.

It is worth noting that the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials are split between the two parts of the switch. When pressing down on either the Berry or the Box Mute Jade, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing, regardless of being made of polycarbonate in both switches, will affect the sound produced when releasing a key. Overall, while the housing materials differ slightly between the Kailh Berry and the Kailh Box Mute Jade, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, there are noticeable differences in both their actuation force and bottom out force. The Berry switch has an unknown actuation force, while the Box Mute Jade requires a force of 75 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the Berry switch, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Berry linear switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it heavier compared to the Berry switch. This higher bottom out force may be preferred by individuals who want a more solid and pronounced typing experience. Overall, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch is heavier in both actuation force and bottom out force, while the specific actuation force of the Berry switch remains unknown. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may find the Berry switch more suitable, while the Box Mute Jade switch caters to those who prefer a heavier and more substantial keystroke.

Travel distance

The comparison between the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch reveals that both switches have an equal travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be the same. As a result, users can expect to have a similar tactile experience when typing or gaming with either switch. The Kailh Berry and the Kailh Box Mute Jade offer the same level of comfort and responsiveness, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a consistent travel distance in their switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a fairly deep and low-pitched profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a crunchy sound profile. This is most commonly associated with clicky switches and is often likened to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It provides a subtle clicky sound, but with a more subdued and quieter tone. Keep in mind that the sound of the switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a textured experience. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys, providing a slightly scratchy feel. Some users prefer this textured sensation, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is described as accented, which refers to a medium tactile switch. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switch is considered stiff, meaning it requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This can result in a more physically demanding typing experience. Finally, the Box Mute Jade switch is also described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This can result in reduced friction and smoother key travel.

Overall, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a springy and hefty typing experience with a chalk-like texture. It produces a deep and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a crunchy and clicky typing experience with a quieter sound signature. It provides a slight bump in feel, accentuated tactility, and requires more force to actuate. Both switches have their unique qualities, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. If you enjoy the characteristics of linear switches with the Berry, you can achieve similar results with a lower-pitched sound profile by using keycaps and a keyboard board that enhance bass tones. Similarly, if you prefer the crunchy and clicky feel of the Box Mute Jade, you can experience a quieter sound by choosing a keyboard board and keycaps that dampen sound.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and a fairly deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a chalk-like texture when typing and have a bottom out force of 70 grams. On the other hand, if you enjoy the crunchy feel of a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the perfect fit. These switches provide a slight bump and a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky sound signature. They have a bottom out force of 82 grams. In terms of sound, the Berry switches have a low-pitched and bassy tone, while the Box Mute Jade switches sound like stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. In terms of feel, the Berry switches have a textured surface, offering noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade switches are accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. They are also described as stiff and polished, requiring more force to actuate and offering a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch depends on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and feel.

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