Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Jupiter Red offer unique typing experiences for different preferences. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, known for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps while typing. On the other hand, the Jupiter Reds provide a smooth and consistent keystroke with a single-stage spring, ideal for users who prefer a seamless typing experience with softer backlight effects. While the Box Jades are more invigorating and accented, the Jupiter Reds are polished and mild. 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
60g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The key difference between the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Jupiter Red lies in their bottom housings. The Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the crisper sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red also features a nylon bottom housing, similarly providing a deeper and fuller sound experience. This indicates that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to their bottom housings.
In terms of the top housing, both the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Jupiter Red utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature a clear housing, making it more likely for them to be made of polycarbonate. This material is especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through.
Overall, while the bottom housing materials vary between the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Jupiter Red, the top housing remains consistent with polycarbonate in both switches. This results in a similar typing experience when it comes to sound and feel for the top housing, with differences primarily found in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Both switches offer a unique balance of characteristics provided by their housing materials, catering to different preferences in terms of sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, we see that the Box Jade requires a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jupiter Red's 45 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience once fully pressed. The Box Jade offers a medium actuation force, while the Jupiter Red offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. Both switches offer the same resistance when fully pressed, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm is shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Jade will provide a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quick reactions. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red offers a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80.
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 offers a high-pitched and crunchy experience, with sharp and crisp clicks reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments and preferences. The sound produced by these switches can also be affected by the keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch provides an invigorating and accented typing experience, with pronounced feedback, moderate actuation force, and a snappy feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch offers a polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience, with smooth and refined key travel that minimizes resistance and provides a silky sensation.
Overall, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects for a seamless typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch would be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so selecting the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences will ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, ultimately, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the way to go. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches are the better choice. The high-precision molds and softer backlight effects of the Jupiter Reds provide a consistent typing experience without the distraction of clicky sounds. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing style.
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