Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the KTT Cream Yellow, a linear switch. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience, offering a satisfying clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility. Typing on these switches is a delight, with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps that enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch thrives in delivering a distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring offers a uniquely bouncy typing feel. Both switches have their own qualities that make them appealing, however, let’s dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Cream Yellow switches have similar housing materials, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a comparable sound and aesthetic experience when using either of these switches.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Cream Yellow also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Its softer nature allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a slightly different typing experience between the two switches when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect differences in sound and feel between the Box Jade and Cream Yellow switches, but these variances will primarily arise from their respective bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, we can see some similarities and some differences. Firstly, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is equal for both switches. This similarity ensures that users will experience a similar level of sensitivity when typing on either switch.
However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a slight variation between the two switches. The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Box Jade switch requires a slightly heavier force to fully press down compared to the Cream Yellow switch.
In terms of weight consideration, the Box Jade switch can be classified as slightly heavier, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The 60 gram bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, which can be satisfying for those who like a bit of resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch, with its 58 gram bottom out force, offers a slightly lighter touch, which can be advantageous for those who need to type for long periods of time without experiencing fatigue.
In conclusion, while both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch have the same actuation force, their bottom out forces show slight differences. The Box Jade switch is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Cream Yellow switch offers a lighter touch, perfect for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preferences and their desired typic experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer than the travel distance of 3.5 mm for the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch. Both switches have travel distances that are within the range of what is commonly found in keyboards, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. However, in recent times, there has been a growing preference for shorter travel distances in order to achieve faster response times, particularly among gamers. Those who prioritize responsiveness may prefer the shorter travel distance offered by the Cream Yellow switch. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Jade switch for a more satisfactory typing experience with a greater sense of depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 clicky switch is best known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Box Jade having a higher pitch and a crunchy sound, while the Cream Yellow has a clacky sound.
When it comes to the feel, the Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating. Accented switches provide a medium amount of tactility, offering a prominent level of feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. They also have a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive feel that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch is described as bouncy. These switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and providing rebound when pressed.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and crunchy sound, as well as an accented and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch delivers a clacky sound with a shortened bottom-out distance, providing resonant audio feedback. It also offers a bouncy feel with its lengthened spring. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience. However, it's important to note that the actual sound and feel may also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you want a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switch is the way to go. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make for an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. Additionally, if you prefer high-pitched and crunchy sound profiles, the Box Jade will satisfy your auditory preferences.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow switch is the ideal choice. Its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring contribute to a resonant audio feedback and a lively, spring-like keypress experience. The Cream Yellow offers a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed, providing a satisfying auditory experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Cream Yellow will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a clicky switch with pronounced tactile feedback, opt for the Box Jade. If you prefer a clacky switch with a bouncy and lively feel, the Cream Yellow is the way to go. Either way, you can expect a satisfying and immersive typing experience with both switches. In the end, it boils down to finding the switch that best suits your individual typing style and preferences.
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