Kailh Box Jade vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Brother both offer unique experiences for users seeking a clicky switch option. The Box Jade is ideal for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing feel with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. With its high-pitched and invigorating characteristics, the Box Jade is sure to provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Brother stands out for its lightweight nature, making it easy to press with a breezy actuation of just 37g. It offers a crunchy sound signature and a stepped tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance between feedback and smooth keystrokes. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Brother feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
On the other hand, both switches also incorporate nylon bottom housings, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance of qualities in the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing.
While the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Brother may vary in terms of top and bottom housings, they ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles. The top housing plays a significant role in the sound when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, it is clear that the Box Jade is the heavier option. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium-weight typing experience. In contrast, the Brother clicky switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Brother switch may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Box Jade switch would be the preferred choice. Both switches have their own unique strengths, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference based on typing style and desired tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they both offer a similar level of tactility and feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of feel and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
The Kailh Box Jade and TTC Brother clicky switches offer distinctly different sound profiles. The Box Jade switch produces a high-pitched and crunchy sound when pressed, making it perfect for those who prefer a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Brother switch also delivers a crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, appealing to clicky switch enthusiasts seeking a clear and precise click with each keystroke. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying auditory feedback, ensuring a delightful typing experience for users.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming yet provides a pronounced amount of tactility. This creates an immersive typing sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Brother switch is characterized by being easy-to-press and stepped, boasting a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The stepped feel of the switch provides a more mild tactile feedback compared to the Box Jade, offering a different typing experience for users looking for a gentler keypress sensation.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Brother clicky switches each have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile with an invigorating tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Brother switch provides a similarly crunchy sound signature with an easy-to-press and stepped feel, appealing to users who prefer a lighter actuation force and a more subdued tactile bump. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer high-quality options for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing feel with a high-pitched and crunchy sound, the Box Jade is the way to go. However, if you prefer a lightweight and easy-to-press switch with a crunchy sound and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance, then the TTC Brother would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Choose wisely and enjoy your new mechanical keyboard switch!
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