Kailh Box Jade vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Light Cloud V2 offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Jade is perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, providing crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps while typing. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 is a linear switch that offers a silent and refined typing feel, making it a great choice for those seeking a delicate and nuanced typing experience. The Box Jade is described as high-pitched and invigorating, while the Light Cloud V2 is categorized as mild and easy-to-press. 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
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and TTC Light Cloud V2 both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Box Jade featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, and the Light Cloud V2 featuring a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant tone, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Light Cloud V2 produces a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder tone, thanks to its softer and more sound-absorbing properties.
While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the differences in their top housing material create distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a combination of qualities in each switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper sound upon release, while the Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing provides a softer and more rounded sound, offering variety in typing feedback for users to choose from.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Light Cloud V2 offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on the materials used. The stiffer polycarbonate in the Box Jade's top housing creates a distinct sharp and clear sound, while the softer nylon in the Light Cloud V2's housing produces a deeper and fuller tone. Whether you prefer the crispness of polycarbonate or the roundness of nylon, both switches provide high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, we find that the Box Jade requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Light Cloud V2's 45 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Box Jade at 60 grams and the Light Cloud V2 at 58 grams. Despite the slight difference in actuation force, both switches provide a similar typing experience with a medium level of force required for bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Light Cloud V2 may be the better option, while the Box Jade offers a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Light Cloud V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times. However, the Box Jade allows for just a slightly deeper press compared to the Light Cloud V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether you prefer a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 offers a high-pitched and crunchy experience, producing sharp and crisp clicks with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch provides a more muted and neutral sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience overall. Depending on your preference for sound, the Box Jade will give you a more pronounced and clicky typing sound, while the Light Cloud V2 will provide a more subtle and gentle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is characterized by an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, with a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch offers a mild, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience, making it effortless and comfortable for extended typing sessions. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feel with moderate to firm actuation force, the Box Jade would be the ideal choice, whereas if you prefer a light and gentle typing experience with minimal resistance, the Light Cloud V2 would be more suitable.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy typing sound with an accented and invigorating tactile feel, while the Light Cloud V2 offers a muted and neutral sound with a mild, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound profile and typing feel, as both switches offer unique and distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and prominent tactile feedback, the Box Jade may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate and refined typing feel with a silent operation, the Light Cloud V2 linear switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize audible feedback and tactile response or a quieter, smoother typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your personal needs and preferences.
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