Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to understand the unique characteristics and features of each switch. Two notable options are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the Gateron CM, a linear switch. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and distinct tactile feedback. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a delight. On the other hand, the CM switches break away from convention with a full nylon housing, delivering a richer and deeper sound signature. With an impeccable factory lube job, these switches offer an effortlessly smooth typing journey and a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. Additionally, the CMs' lengthened, dual-staged spring provides a bouncy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron CM switches have distinct features that contribute to their sound profiles and overall performance. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. Its stiffer plastic composition allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it particularly ideal for switches featuring RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gateron CM's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both materials offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Jade and the CM switches utilize nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, giving the switches a rounded and mellow sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing material is particularly noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
It's important to note that if a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housing, the qualities brought by each housing material will be split. With the Box Jade and CM switches, the differences in top and bottom housing materials allow for a variation in sound and feel depending on whether you press down or release a key. The top housing material will primarily impact the sound when you let go of a key, while the bottom housing will predominantly affect the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique combination of housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, it becomes apparent that they have distinct differences. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the CM has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the CM switch requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams of force to fully press the key, whereas the CM requires a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the CM switch provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully press down. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a satisfying tactile feedback and resistance. If one prefers a lighter typing experience, the Box Jade would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. Conversely, if a stronger and more substantial push feel is desired, then the CM switch would be the preferable option. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual typing preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CM linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar level of key travel when pressed. The 3.6 mm travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which directly correlates to the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, users can expect a consistent and comparable typing experience with either switch in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. Pressing these switches will result in sharp and crisp clicks, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switch provides a bassy and thocky sound. These switches have a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound produced during typing can be characterized by a soft "knock" or a deep "thud" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, so the choice between them will depend on personal preference and the desired auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is accented and invigorating. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. They offer a medium tactile experience with a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. These switches provide a smooth and seamless typing experience due to materials used, factory lubing, and reduced friction. Pressing the keys on a Gateron CM switch will feel effortless and uniform, as if gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Jade switch is ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and discernible tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps offer a satisfying and engaging typing journey. On the other hand, the Gateron CM switch veers away from convention with its full nylon housing, providing a richer and deeper sound signature. It offers a smooth and fluid typing experience, evoking a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched and crunchy sound with accented tactile feedback, go for the Box Jade. If you desire a bassy sound with a buttery and polished typing experience, the Gateron CM switch is the way to go. Despite their differences, both switches offer exceptional quality and will provide satisfying results depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. Their medium bottom out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying amount of resistance, and their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a rich and deep sound signature, the Gateron CM switches are an excellent choice. Their slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience, complemented by an impeccable factory lube job. The full nylon housing of CM switches contributes to a deeper sound profile, evoking a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron CM switches will depend on your preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
