Kailh Box Jade vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box Jade and Zuoce Lavender mechanical keyboard switches offer unique experiences for users looking for different typing sensations. The Box Jades are ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, characterized by crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender stands out for its smoothness and easy-to-press keys, providing a satisfyingly clacky sound signature. Each switch has its own appeal and strengths, catering to different preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Zuoce Lavender switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Lavender's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal that the POM housing lacks.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. This creates a duller and rounder sound when compared to the Lavender's POM bottom housing, which also emphasizes a deep and relatively muted sound. Both housing materials bring their own unique qualities to the overall sound experience of the switches, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound depth and sharpness.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Kailh Box Jade and the Zuoce Lavender switches, both switches offer a pleasing and unique sound profile. The qualities of the top and bottom housings for each switch are reflected in the sound and feel when typing or gaming. While the Box Jade may provide a sharper and clearer sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Lavender offers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound aesthetics and feel during use.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is apparent that the Box Jade is slightly heavier than the Lavender. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, with the Box Jade leaning towards a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly higher force requirements. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Lavender more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Box Jade for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quick and responsive key presses. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. Overall, while the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance, both switches offer similar results in terms of responsiveness and key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 offers a high-pitched and crunchy experience, producing sharp and crisp clicks reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, enhancing the satisfaction of each keystroke. Both switches deliver a satisfying auditory feedback, but the Jade switch leans towards a higher pitch while the Lavender switch offers a distinct clackiness.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch provides an invigorating typing experience with its accented tactile feedback and medium actuation force, creating a satisfyingly immersive sensation. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender switch boasts an easy-to-press feel with gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Jade switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience with pronounced feedback, while the Lavender switch focuses on smoothness and low-impact typing comfort.
Overall, both the Kailh Box Jade and Zuoce Lavender switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade switch is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with clacky sound feedback and easy-to-press keys, the Lavender switch is a solid choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, tactile feedback, and typing comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be a great choice for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps will make each keystroke a satisfying and immersive experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Zuoce Lavender switch would be a perfect fit. The easy-to-press switches offer minimal resistance and a low-impact typing feel, enhancing your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Jade and Lavender switches will come down to your personal preference for key feel and sound profile.
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