TTC Bluish White vs. Kailh Box Mute Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch, and the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, for those seeking a satisfying and high-quality typing experience. The Bluish White switch is known for its pleasingly poppy tactile sensation, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched', this switch provides a smooth and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade switch offers a crunchy feel of a clicky switch but with a more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter, albeit unmistakably clicky, sound signature, these switches are ideal for those who enjoy a clicky switch but require a quieter typing experience. The Box Mute Jade switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision regarding the switch that suits your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and the Kailh Box Mute Jade both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who wish to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. In terms of aesthetics, these switches offer a visually appealing choice with their clear top housings.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches incorporate nylon. This material offers a different typing experience compared to polycarbonate. Nylon has the ability to absorb more sound due to its softer nature, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite housing different materials for their bottom housings, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound profiles.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes apparent that they play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down, affecting the bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing is more significant in determining the sound produced when a key is released, offering a distinct sound when letting go of a key. As such, while the materials may differ between the top and bottom housings of a switch, they each contribute to the overall typing experience in their own unique ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in weight. The Bluish White switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Box Mute Jade switch has a much heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. This heavier force provides a more substantial and pronounced push feel, catering to users who prefer a stronger typing sensation. It is important to consider weight when selecting a switch as it can greatly impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who require longer typing sessions may opt for the lighter Bluish White switch, while individuals seeking a more robust typing experience may favor the heavier Box Mute Jade switch. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches vary significantly, offering users a choice based on their personal preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become more popular in recent times, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Bluish White switch would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you value a more substantial keypress, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch's slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or a more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which is characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It provides a more subdued and quieter clicky sound compared to other clicky switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch provides a range of descriptors. It offers a buttery typing experience, which implies a smooth and fluid keystroke feel. The switch delivers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It is also categorized as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users. The stepped characteristic suggests that the switch has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a slightly more mild tactile feedback compared to hypertactile switches. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is described as subtle, meaning it has a gentle resistance without being too feather-light and produces a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, the switch is polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, on the other hand, is described as accented, which refers to a medium tactile switch that offers a notable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This tactile feedback provides a satisfying typing experience without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, the clicky switch is also categorized as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and/or bottom-out compared to other switches. Therefore, users will need to apply more force when pressing the keys with these switches. Similar to the Bluish White switch, the Box Mute Jade switch is also polished, ensuring a sleek and smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch provides a poppy and snappy sound profile, a buttery and mild typing feel, and a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a more subdued and crunchy sound profile, an accented and stiff tactile feel, and a polished finish. Both switches present their subjective qualities that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and usage scenarios, one can choose between the low-pitched and smooth feel of the Bluish White switch or the subdued and crunchy feel of the Box Mute Jade switch. With either choice, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, but it ultimately depends on individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is a great choice. These switches provide a snappy sound profile with a low-pitched tone and a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. They offer a smooth and uniform typing sensation and are suitable for shared spaces due to their non-resonant sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is perfect for you. With a heavy bottom out force, these switches provide a quieter but unmistakably clicky sound. They have an accented tactile feel, which is neither overwhelming nor subtle, and a stiff and polished finish for a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches depends on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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