Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are plenty of options to choose from, each offering its own unique features and characteristics. Two switches that stand out are the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Lime. The Box Jades are clicky switches, known for providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Limes are tactile switches, offering a lightweight typing experience with a subtle touch of tactility. Notably, the Limes are also silenced, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While these generalizations give us a glimpse into what each switch has to offer, let's delve deeper into their specific attributes so that you can make an informed decision about which switch suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Lime have different housing materials, with the former featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the latter has a nylon top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Jade's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lime's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Box Jade and the Lime utilize nylon. The soft nature of nylon leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use this material. The nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a dull and round sound. Therefore, in terms of bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, both switches will exhibit similar qualities due to the shared nylon housing material.
The impact of the housing material extends beyond just sound, as it also affects the overall feel of the switch. While the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. With the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing, the sound when letting go of a key is sharper and crisper, contributing to an overall satisfying typing experience. Conversely, the Lime's nylon top housing creates a deeper sound upon key release, which can also add to the overall typing experience. Therefore, while the housing materials differ between the two switches, they both offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lime's 35 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. The bottom out force of the Box Jade is also higher at 60 grams compared to the Lime's 45 grams. This means that the Box Jade requires a slightly stronger push and provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the lighter Lime switch. However, if a lighter switch is preferred, the Lime switch would be a better choice as it has a lower actuation and bottom out force. Considerations on weight play a role here, as a lighter switch like the Lime allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Box Jade to achieve a more tactile and substantial typing experience. In summary, while the Box Jade switch is slightly heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force, the Lime switch provides a lighter option, and both switches offer unique typing experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm and are suitable for those seeking a more responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances can feel more abrupt and might not be as appreciated by those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one values a shorter travel distance for speed or a longer travel distance for a more substantial 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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40.
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 is best described as high-pitched and crunchy. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a more neutral and muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch, helping to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. This creates an immersive typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These switches provide a more gentle typing experience with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. They also have a gentle resistance, smooth key travel, and a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with an accented and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a more neutral and muted sound with a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Box Jade being ideal for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and prominent tactility, while the Lime switch is perfect for tactile fans who want a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and a noticeable amount of tactility, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer crisp and satisfying clicks, as well as crunchy tactile bumps when typing. The Box Jade switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a medium level of resistance.
On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be the perfect fit. These switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams, making them lighter than the Box Jade switches. The Lime switches are unique in that they offer an approachable tactility and are also silenced, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of sound, the Box Jade switches produce a high-pitched and crunchy sound when pressed, which some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the Lime switches have a more neutral and muted sound profile, making them suitable for various environments, including home and work settings.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switches provide an accented and invigorating typing sensation, with a pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. The Lime switches, on the other hand, offer a mild and feathery feel, providing a gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, the Lime switches have a subtle and polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Whether you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, or a feathery light typing experience with a gentle touch of tactility, both switches offer unique advantages. Consider your desired level of resistance, sound profile, and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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