Kailh Box Jade vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Gold Silver offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Box Jade is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide an invigorating typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and feel while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes. The shortened travel and solid bottom-out result in a polished and seamless typing experience, with a low-pitched and subtle sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Gold Silver switches are quite similar in terms of the material used for both the top and bottom housings. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes them both ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light transmission. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Although both the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Gold Silver switches share similar housing materials, there may be slight differences in the sound and feel they produce. The split qualities of the top and bottom housing materials mean that the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released. While both switches offer a sharp and crisp sound profile due to their polycarbonate top housing, the subtle variations in the bottom housing material may result in slightly different typing experiences between the two switches.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Gold Silver switches offer similar sound profiles and typing experiences due to their shared housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, while nylon in the bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound profile. Ultimately, the slight differences in sound and feel may be noticeable to enthusiasts or those with a keen ear for mechanical keyboards, but for the average user, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience with their high-quality materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gold Silver's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Box Jade is also higher at 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown. This means that the Box Jade provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Gold Silver may be the better option as it has a lower actuation force. However, both switches offer a medium weight feel overall, making them suitable for a variety of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for providing a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances for faster reactions during gameplay. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the feel and depth of the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, giving off sharp and crisp clicks with a distinctly crunchy tactile bump. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound signature that is deep, rich, and satisfying. The Gold Silver switch also has a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and user preferences. However, it's essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch provides an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, moderate actuation force, and a snappy feel. It is described as having an accented tactile bump that is both noticeable and enjoyable without being overpowering. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a polished and silky typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. It is also considered to provide a gentle typing experience, falling within a safe middle ground of switch characteristics. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch provide distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experiences. The Box Jade is best suited for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a crunchy clicky sound profile and accentuated tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gold Silver is ideal for users seeking rapid responsiveness, smooth key travel, and a polished sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a decisive bottom-out with a resonant sound signature, the Gold Silver is the perfect option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a clicky tactile switch like the Box Jade or a linear switch like the Gold Silver that offers a seamless blend of speed, sound, and smoothness in each keystroke.
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