Kailh Box Jade vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Gold Red Pro mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider their unique characteristics and what they offer in terms of typing experience. The Box Jade is renowned for its medium-heavy typing feel, accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro excels in providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various environments and activities. While the Box Jade appeals to those who enjoy a more invigorating and crunchy typing experience, the Gold Red Pro caters to users seeking a polished, thocky, and subtle typing feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Gold Red Pro switches, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings makes them stiffer, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. While both switches share this top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housings.
The Box Jade and Gold Red Pro switches both feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. By having a nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience that differs from switches with different bottom housing materials. The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in these switches allows for a balanced sound profile with a mix of sharpness and depth.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Gold Red Pro switches play a significant role in the sound and feel of the typing experience. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. The distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings affects the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Box Jade has a heavier actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro's 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Box Jade at 60 grams is heavier than the Gold Red Pro's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Box Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a higher force required for both actuation and bottoming out. The Gold Red Pro, on the other hand, offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions. Overall, while the actuation force differs between the two switches, the bottom out force may vary as well. It is important to consider personal preference when choosing between a lighter or heavier switch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for their quick responsiveness, with the Kailh Box Jade being the shorter of the two. Gamers may prefer the Box Jade for its slightly quicker actuation, while those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their key presses may lean towards the Gold Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 clicky switch is best described as having a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy sharp and crisp clicky switches with a satisfying tactile bump. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a neutral sound signature that falls neither too pronounced nor too muted, making it versatile for any auditory environment. Whether you prefer the rich high-pitched clicks of the Box Jade or the deep, satisfying thocky sound of the Gold Red Pro, your choice will depend on your personal sound preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Box Jade switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with accented tactility and a medium tactile feel, perfect for those who enjoy a moderate to firm actuation force. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro switch offers a polished and silky typing experience, providing smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek and refined feel. Whether you prefer the pronounced feedback and snappy feel of the Box Jade or the gentle and approachable typing experience of the Gold Red Pro, your choice will ultimately depend on your desired level of tactility and resistance while typing.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade excels in providing a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile paired with invigorating tactility, while the Gold Red Pro offers a neutral sound signature with a polished and silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Whether you go for the Box Jade for a more tactile and clicky experience or the Gold Red Pro for a smoother and more refined feel, both switches are sure to provide you with a satisfying typing experience tailored to your liking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch or the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, think about the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the way to go. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps will enhance your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you value versatility and a seamless typing experience without the clicky noise, the Gold Red Pro linear switch is the perfect choice. Its neutral sound signature and adaptability make it suitable for a variety of settings. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should align with your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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