Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options available to suit different preferences and typing styles. Two popular choices in the market are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Luciola, a linear switch. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound, the Box Jade is the ideal choice for you. Known for its high-pitched, accented, invigorating, and crunchy profile, this switch delivers crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to your typing. On the other hand, the Luciola switches offer a unique feature that sets them apart - they glow in the dark, making them quite eye-catching. With a medium heft, these switches provide a smooth and bouncy typing feel and produce a distinct hollow sound resembling a can of spray paint being shaken. Categorized as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished, the Luciola switch offers a different typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

Gateron Luciola Linear

$5.50 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Luciola switches have differing materials used for both their top and bottom housings. The Box Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Luciola features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for enthusiasts who prefer a more clear and resonant sound. In comparison, the INK blend top housing of the Luciola produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying sound experience when typing, making them both excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Luciola features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic composition. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, similar to the top housing. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the Box Jade offering a deeper sound and the Luciola maintaining its distinctive clacky profile.

When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that each housing material brings its own qualities. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. For instance, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade enhances the deep and full sound experienced upon pressing. Conversely, the top housing is more influential on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, despite the differences in materials used for the top and bottom housings, both the Box Jade and the Luciola can deliver an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience, although with slight variations in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that both switches have similar bottom out forces at 60 grams. However, there is a slight difference in their actuation forces. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Luciola requires a slightly heavier force of 55 grams to trigger a keystroke.

The difference in actuation force could have an impact on the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Box Jade more appealing, as it requires a lesser force to activate the keystroke. This lighter actuation force can be advantageous for users who need to type for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions.

On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Luciola. With its slightly heavier actuation force, it provides a stronger push feel, making each keystroke more deliberate and potentially satisfying for those who prefer a bit of resistance.

In terms of weight, both switches can offer a comfortable typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter weight of the Box Jade, allowing them to type effortlessly for extended periods. However, others may appreciate the heavier feel of the Luciola, as it can provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.

In summary, while the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a lighter actuation force, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a slightly heavier push. Both switches share a common bottom out force, providing a medium level of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the same at 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. This provides a consistent typing experience and ensures that the keys register accurately. Whether you choose the Box Jade or the Luciola, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch produces a high-pitched and crunchy sound when pressed. The crisp clicks of the Box Jade create a satisfying typing experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch is described as clacky, chirpy, and marbly in terms of sound. These switches have a sharp and snappy sound, with a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart. The Luciola switches also have a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound, similar to tapping on a piece of marble or the collision of billiard balls. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Box Jade providing a more clicky and crunchy experience, while the Luciola switch offers a combination of clacky, chirpy, and marbly sounds.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating. These switches provide a medium tactile experience, with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Box Jade switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished in terms of feel. These switches are super responsive, providing a typing experience that feels more alive. With longer or dual-staged springs, the Luciola switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer their unique feel, with the Box Jade providing an invigorating and accented tactile experience, while the Luciola switch offers a snappy, buttery, and polished feel.

Overall, the Kailh Box Jade switch is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and prominent tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps of the Box Jade create an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature. These switches offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken” sound profile. While both switches offer their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to tailor their keyboard experience to their preferences, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary. It is recommended to try out different switches to find the perfect fit for your typing needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. You'll love the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps when typing on them. On the other hand, if you're drawn to eye-catching switches that glow in the dark and provide a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola switches are the way to go. Their "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile adds a unique touch to your typing experience. In terms of sound, the Box Jade switches produce a high-pitched, crunchy sound similar to stepping on autumn leaves, while the Luciola switches offer a clacky, chirpy, marbly sound with a high-pitched profile. As for the feel, the Box Jade switches offer a medium tactile experience with pronounced feedback and an invigorating typing sensation. Conversely, the Luciola switches provide a snappy, buttery, and polished feel, giving you a super responsive and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether you prefer a clicky sound and tactile feedback (Box Jade) or a smooth and bouncy feel (Gateron Luciola).

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more