Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Melodic mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a clicky typing experience with a tactile feel. The Box Jade is known for its medium-heavy typing experience and crisp clicks, while the Melodic stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a buttery feel with classic clicky sound. The Box Jades are perfect for those who enjoy a high-pitched and accented typing experience, while the Melodic offers a resonant and invigorating 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Melodic switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is also known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Additionally, both switches offer nylon bottom housings, which produce a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The use of these different materials in the top and bottom housings of each switch helps to balance the overall sound and feel of the typing experience.
While the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Melodic switches share similar housing materials in their top and bottom parts, the specific design and construction of each switch may lead to slight variations in sound and feel. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of both switches will contribute to a clear and resonant sound profile, with the nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller tone. However, the impact of each housing material on the typing experience may differ slightly depending on the overall design of the switch. Ultimately, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel from both switches due to the shared use of polycarbonate and nylon materials.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Melodic switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the specific sound and feel desired in a mechanical keyboard. Both switches offer a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, which contribute to a unique typing experience characterized by sharp, high-pitched sounds and deep, full tones. Whether one prefers a crisper sound profile or a duller, rounder sound, both switches provide a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their setup to suit their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that the Box Jade is the lighter option with an actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the Melodic which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in that aspect. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box Jade would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Melodic switch, as it provides a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Melodic has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, both fall within the normal range of travel distances for switches. However, the Jade offers a slightly shorter distance, making it potentially more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Melodic provides a bit more depth in its travel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
In terms of sound, both the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Melodic switches offer a crunchy and satisfying auditory experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. However, the Box Jade leans towards a high-pitched sound profile, delivering sharp and crisp clicks, while the Melodic provides a more resonant and clean sound. This difference in sound profile can cater to personal preferences, with the Box Jade offering a more prominent clicky sound and the Melodic focusing on a cleaner and more immersive auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade is described as offering an accented tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still provides a noticeable bump with each keystroke, creating an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic is praised for its buttery smooth keystroke experience, emphasizing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches offer an invigorating typing feel, with the Box Jade providing a more tactile bump and the Melodic focusing on a smoother and fluid keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Melodic switches each have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box Jade excels in delivering a high-pitched clicky sound and an accented tactile feedback, while the Melodic emphasizes a resonant sound profile and a buttery smooth keystroke experience. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper clicky sound with tactile feedback or a cleaner sound with a smoother keystroke, you can achieve satisfying results with either of these switches. Ultimately, both options offer a fantastic typing experience that can enhance your overall keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a crisp clicky sound and crunchy tactile bumps, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you want a smooth and buttery typing experience with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Gateron Melodic switches would be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer the high-pitched and crunchy sound profile of the Box Jade or the resonant and crunchy sound profile of the Melodic, as well as whether you prefer the accented and invigorating feel of the Box Jade or the buttery and invigorating feel of the Melodic. Experiment with both switches to see which one aligns better with your preferences and typing style.
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