Kailh Box Jade vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Flaming Purple. The Box Jade is favored for its medium-heavy typing experience, clicky sound profile, and noticeable tactility, making it perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple by TTC is known for its unique linear design, offering a resonant and slightly bassy sound profile that adds a poppy undertone to each keystroke. With a feather-light bottom-out force of just 47g, the Flaming Purple provides a smooth and effortless typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and TTC Flaming Purple both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this material for their top housing, they may differ in their bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Box Jade and Flaming Purple utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience of each switch, as the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Flaming Purple will result in similar sound profiles. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing materials may influence the sound profile when pressing down on the key, the impact of the polycarbonate top housing will be felt when releasing the key, creating a consistent sound quality between the two switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch differ in weight. The Box Jade has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Flaming Purple has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. The Box Jade offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Flaming Purple. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Flaming Purple for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the Box Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, which switch is better suited for an individual will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. With this similarity in travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer either clicky or linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, giving users a sharp and crisp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a slightly bassier and resonant sound, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. While the Box Jade leans towards a higher-pitched and crisply tactile sound, the Flaming Purple provides a deeper and richer sound profile with a touch of resonance.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with its accentuated tactility and medium-heavy typing experience. Users can expect pronounced feedback and moderate actuation force, providing a reactive and stimulating typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Flaming Purple's silky smooth feel enhances the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance and providing a comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is best suited for users looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, coupled with invigorating tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch caters to those seeking a slightly bassier and resonant sound with a feathery, easy-to-press feel that reduces finger strain during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, providing users with a variety of options based on their sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's specific typing needs and preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and substantial tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the perfect fit for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and smoother typing feel with a bassier sound profile, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switches would be more suitable for you. With their feathery nature and resonant character, they offer swift and effortless typing with an engaging auditory flair. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for typing experience and sound profile. Whether you enjoy the sharp clicks of the Box Jades or the smooth keystrokes of the Flaming Purples, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.