Kailh Box Jade vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Gold Red. The Box Jade is known for providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactility. If you enjoy crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps while typing, the Box Jade is perfect for you. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These linear switches have a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. If you prefer a more subtle and polished typing experience, the Gold Red switches are a great option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Gold Red, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Jade uses nylon, while the Gold Red also opts for nylon as its material of choice. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Hence, both switches will offer a similar typing experience, with a focus on a deeper and fuller sound.
It is worth noting that the qualities of the bottom and top housing are split between the two switches. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be more noticeable. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect slight differences in the sound profile depending on the housing material used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is clear that these switches offer different weight options for users. The Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Gold Red offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option.
For those who prefer a lighter keystroke, the Gold Red switch would be a suitable choice. With its lighter actuation force, it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work settings or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Box Jade switch with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be a better fit.
It is worth mentioning that if the actuation force and bottom out force are the same, users can expect similar results in terms of the resistance experienced during typing. However, in the case of the Box Jade and Gold Red switches, the Box Jade is slightly heavier in both forces. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Gold Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Jade. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while the 3.6 mm falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. This means that if you prefer a faster response time, the Box Jade with its shorter travel distance might be the better choice for you, especially if you are a gamer. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Gold Red with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility. The sound of the Box Jade switches is high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. These switches have a crunchy feel, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The tactile bumps are also prominent, adding to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. The sound profile of the Gold Red switches is described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. These switches have a low-pitched tone, featuring a bass-heavy and mellow sound. The Gold Red switches fall into the category of neutral switches, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various uses.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switches provide a more pronounced and invigorating typing experience with a high-pitched clicky sound and crunchy feel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switches offer a gentler and more subtle typing experience with a thocky sound and mild feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities and appeal to different preferences. If you prefer a more pronounced typing experience with a clicky sound, the Box Jade switches would be a better choice. If you prefer a smoother and more subtle typing experience, the Gold Red switches would suit you better. It's important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound and noticeable tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a substantial typing feel without being too heavy. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on these switches a delight.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth and buttery feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switches are an excellent option. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a gentle resistance that is approachable to most users. The snappy sound profile of the Gold Red switches adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too flashy.
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade switches produce a high-pitched sound with a crisp and sharp quality, perfect for those who prefer a more distinct and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches have a thocky sound with a lower pitch, offering a deep and satisfying tone when pressed and released. If you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, the Gold Red switches are the way to go. However, if you enjoy the sound of crisp autumn leaves under your feet, the Box Jade switches will provide that crunchy sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switches are known for their accented tactility, providing a medium level of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They offer an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switches offer a more mild and approachable typing experience. They have a subtle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the Gold Red switches have a silky and polished finish, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switches and the TTC Gold Red linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and noticeable tactile feedback, the Box Jade switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth and buttery feel, the Gold Red switches are the better option. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as the bottom out force, to make the decision that suits you best.
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