Durock Black Lotus vs. Kailh Box Mute Jade

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box Mute Jade. The Black Lotus is a linear switch, known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. It offers reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure, making it a top choice for those seeking a seamless typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substantial feedback and not being too hefty. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, if you prefer the crunchy feel of a clicky switch but with a more subdued sound profile, the Box Mute Jade might be your ideal switch. While using these switches, there's a slight bump felt when pressing the keys, accompanied by a quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound signature. Both switches have their own distinct qualities and benefits, making them attractive options for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision regarding the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches differ in several ways. The Black Lotus features a unique blend of Modified PC and UPE in its top housing, providing a premium feel and potentially a different sound profile compared to the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing. While both materials offer clarity and resonance, the polycarbonate used in the Box Mute Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes.

In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon has a softer texture and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may share comparable sound characteristics while typing.

When it comes to the overall experience, the impact of the bottom and top housing materials is divided. Pressing down on the switch will mainly highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced. Therefore, while the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh Box Mute Jade differ in their top housing materials, they may result in similar typing experiences due to their shared nylon bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Black Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the Box Mute Jade requires a heavier force of 75 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Black Lotus has a lower force requirement of 63.5 grams, while the Box Mute Jade has a higher bottom out force of 82 grams. This means that the Box Mute Jade switch will provide a more substantial and forceful typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Black Lotus switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Both switches offer different options based on individual preferences, ensuring that users can choose the desired level of force for their typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is 4 mm, while the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Black Lotus falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, whereas the Box Mute Jade is on the shallower end with 3.6 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Box Mute Jade a good choice for those seeking quick and precise keystrokes. However, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt, opting for a switch with a longer travel distance like the Black Lotus if they prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the personal preference and typing style of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The subjective qualities of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It is described as having a buttery and polished feel, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade is described as crunchy and accented in terms of feel, offering a more prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus's sound profile is not specified, so it is unknown. However, the Box Mute Jade is mentioned to have a clicky sound, providing a quieter clicky sound profile compared to other clicky switches.

In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience with its silky and polished feel. Although the sound profile is unknown, it is likely to provide a quiet and pleasant typing experience based on its smooth feel. The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, on the other hand, offers a muted and crunchier clicky experience, providing a more tactile feel with a quieter clicky sound. While the Black Lotus focuses on smoothness, the Box Mute Jade focuses on a subdued and tactile clicky experience. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, providing maximum typing pleasure in their respective ways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. The Black Lotus offers a silky smooth feel with unparalleled precision, making it a great option for those who value a smooth typing experience. With its medium-heavy bottom out force, it strikes a balance between weight and ease of actuation. Additionally, the unique light column provides customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, if you prefer a crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile, the Box Mute Jade is the perfect switch for you. It offers a slight bump and a quieter, clicky sound signature. With its heavier bottom out force, it requires more force to actuate and bottom out, providing a stiffer typing experience. Both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, it's important to consider your preferences for feel, sound, and actuation force when making a decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

Learn more