Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Matcha offer two distinct experiences to cater to your typing preferences. The Box Jades are perfect for those who crave a medium-heavy typing experience accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactility. With crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, typing on the Box Jades is truly a sensory delight. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha stands out as an excellent example of a tactile switch that offers a comfortable and snappy tactility. Moreover, its long pole stem ensures a distinctly clean bottom-out sound. Both switches have unique characteristics that make them appealing, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Matcha both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
Where the Box Jade and the Matcha differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Matcha features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, complementing the qualities of the top housing.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switch, the qualities of the bottom and top housing will play a role. Pressing down on the switch will primarily reflect the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing. Therefore, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Box Jade and the Matcha will contribute to variations in the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Matcha's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Box Jade requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Box Jade has a heavier force of 60 grams compared to the Matcha's lighter force of 45 grams. This indicates that pressing the Box Jade switch all the way down requires more force compared to the Matcha switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Matcha switch would be a suitable choice as it has lighter actuation and bottom out forces. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions, as it reduces the strain on the fingers and allows for more comfortable input over a longer period. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Box Jade switch with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This heavier force can provide a stronger push feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced and satisfying typing experience. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing sensation, with the Matcha offering a lighter touch and the Box Jade providing a slightly more robust and tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have different travel distances, with the Box Jade having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Matcha having a travel distance of 4 mm. The Matcha has a more traditional travel distance, which is commonly seen in keyboards, while the Box Jade falls on the shorter side. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Box Jade would be the better option for you. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press, the longer travel distance of the Matcha might be more suitable. In terms of length, the Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance than the Box Jade.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound of the Matcha switch can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. Please keep in mind that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile experience. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making them a suitable choice for those seeking a medium tactile switch. Additionally, the Box Jade switches offer pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. Conversely, the KTT Matcha tactile switch delivers a stepped and snappy tactile experience. With the Matcha switch, you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a mild tactile feel compared to switches with a full bump throughout the keystroke. These switches are super responsive, providing a typing experience that feels more alive. The Matcha switches also fall under the category of accented switches, providing a notable level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent.
In summary, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is a great choice for those who want a medium-heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. The Box Jade switches offer accented tactility, pronounced feedback, and an invigorating feel when typing on them. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch provides a stepped and snappy tactile experience, producing a distinct clean bottom-out sound. These switches are also accented and offer a range of descriptors, including snappy, feathery, and subtle. While the sound and feel of both switches differ, they each provide their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer the sound and feel of the Box Jade switches, you can expect a similar result from the Matcha switches in terms of offering a medium tactile experience with a clean, snappy sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and prominent tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. These switches offer a satisfyingly crisp click and a crunchy tactile bump when typing, providing an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. They have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, which offers a moderate level of resistance for your fingers. In terms of sound, the Box Jades produce a high-pitched and crunchy sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a distinct clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha switches are an excellent choice. These tactile switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams, making them exceptionally light to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Matcha switches offer a comfortable, snappy tactility that feels slightly stepped, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. They emit a clacky sound when pressed, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switches and the KTT Matcha tactile switches depends on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing feel with a clicky sound and prominent tactility, the Box Jades are a great choice. However, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a clean bottom-out sound and a slightly stepped tactility, the Matcha switches are a perfect fit. Consider your desired typing experience and sound preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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