Kailh Box Jade vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a variety of options available, each with their own unique characteristics. Two popular switches to consider are the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Honey. The Box Jade switch is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility. Typing on these switches provides crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, making each keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. These switches are known for their subdued and buttery feel, providing a frictionless typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision when choosing the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Honey switches share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches lends them a certain stiffness that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, there is a key difference in the bottom housing material. The Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Honey switch opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing the sharp and crisp aspects of the overall sound profile.
When it comes to the functioning of the switches, the choice of housing material plays a significant role. The split between the top and bottom housings means that the qualities brought by each material will be distinctly felt. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing material takes prominence, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Box Jade with its nylon bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and more resonant experience. The Honey, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, ensures a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing material comes into play, affecting the sound produced. In this regard, both switches' polycarbonate top housing will contribute to a similar higher-pitched and clearer sound upon key release.
To summarize, there are similarities and differences between the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Honey switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, their bottom housings differ. The Box Jade employs a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Honey utilizes polycarbonate, emphasizing a sharp and crisp sound. The choice of housing material affects the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, we find noticeable differences. The Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Honey's 42 grams, making the Honey lighter in this aspect. Similarly, the Box Jade has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Honey's 50 grams, indicating that the Box Jade requires a slightly stronger push to fully press the keys.
Weight is an important consideration for individuals who prefer a specific typing experience. Those who enjoy a lighter feel, which allows for extended typing durations, may gravitate towards the Honey switch. This lighter actuation force of the Honey can be beneficial for both productivity-oriented tasks at work or marathon gaming sessions. Conversely, for those seeking a more substantial and robust typing experience, the Box Jade's heavier actuation and bottom out forces may be more appealing. This heavier force provides a satisfying push feel and may be favored by individuals who appreciate a sturdier tactile feedback.
With these differences in mind, it is worth noting that individuals seeking similar results can still achieve their desired typing experience with either switch. By adjusting their typing technique, users can adapt to the force requirements of the switches and personalize their experience accordingly. Overall, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a medium actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, while the TTC Honey linear switch provides a lighter actuation force, resulting in contrasting typing experiences tailored for different preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Honey linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, but the Box Jade is the shorter option between the two. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade. The Honey, on the other hand, offers a slightly more depth with its longer travel distance, which some individuals may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 is best described as high-pitched and crunchy. The high-pitched sound profile produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant and lively typing experience. Additionally, the crunchy nature of the Box Jade switch creates a sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch is described as subdued. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle and dampened sound profile compared to most switches. The Honey switch provides a deep and pleasant sound that is less pronounced and more understated.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is characterized as accented and invigorating. The medium tactile nature of the Box Jade switch offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This means that users can enjoy a satisfying tactile response without it becoming too distracting. The invigorating nature of the Box Jade switch also provides a snappy and reactive feel, adding to the immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. The creamy feel of the Honey switch creates a smooth and buttery typing experience, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch's frictionless nature minimizes resistance and friction, resulting in a fluid and effortless typing experience. This switch also offers a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel while providing a sound signature suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, the polished finish of the Honey switch contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience, thanks to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and TTC Honey linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade switch provides a high-pitched, crunchy sound profile along with an accented and invigorating feel. This switch is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with prominent tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Honey switch offers a subdued sound profile along with a creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished feel. This switch is ideal for individuals who desire a smooth and effortless typing experience with a more understated sound. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you want a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. These switches offer crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, providing an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. The high-pitched and crunchy sound profile adds to the overall experience, giving you a rich and satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and a more subdued sound, the TTC Honey linear switches are an excellent choice. The creamy and buttery typing experience offered by the Honey switches creates a smooth and seamless sensation, with minimal resistance and friction. The subdued sound profile ensures that your typing won't disturb others in shared spaces. Ultimately, the decision between the Box Jade and Honey switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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