Kailh Box Jade vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Master offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Box Jade is a clicky switch that provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility. Known for its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy a high-pitched and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Master is a linear switch made of all-POM material, offering a medium weight and a classic clacky sound signature. Its exceptional smoothness in operation caters to users who prefer a mild and polished typing feel. 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
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Dareu Master, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Master uses a POM top housing, known for its deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing may provide a more distinct and resonant typing experience compared to the Master's POM housing.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box Jade utilizes a nylon material which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Master also features a POM bottom housing, contributing to its pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side. Both materials offer a different typing experience, with nylon providing a fuller sound and POM offering a unique and muted tone. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing sound and feel for users.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in both the Box Jade and the Dareu Master leads to a unique typing experience for users. While the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing may provide a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Master's POM top housing, both switches maintain their own distinct qualities. Additionally, the use of nylon and POM materials in the bottom housings also contribute to the overall sound profile of each switch, offering users a variety of options to choose from based on their personal preference for typing sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, with their housing materials playing a key role in shaping the sound profile for users.
Weight
Comparing Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, the actuation force of the Box Jade is slightly heavier at 50 grams compared to the Master's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Box Jade is also heavier at 60 grams, while the Master's bottom out force is not specified. This means that the Box Jade requires a bit more force to activate a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Master. The difference in weight between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Box Jade feeling a bit more substantial while typing. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions, the Master may be the better choice due to its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Box Jade is slightly longer than the Master, which may provide a slightly more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them suitable for those looking for a more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy sharp and crisp sounds with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, appealing to users who appreciate a classic clacky sound signature. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Box Jade being more high-pitched and crunchy, while the Master switch delivers a clacky tone that stands out for its sharpness.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is characterized as accented and invigorating, providing a medium-heavy typing experience with prominent tactility that is not overwhelming yet offers a satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a smoother and more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Master switch's smooth and refined finish ensures a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, perfect for users seeking a more subtle tactile feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Master linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with accented and invigorating tactile feedback, the Master switch offers a clacky sound and a polished typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper sound profile and crunchier feel or a smoother and more gentle typing experience, you can choose between these two switches to achieve your desired keyboarding experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience and contribute to a more enjoyable mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master would be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing feel and sound you find most appealing.
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