Kailh Box Jade vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you have a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular choices are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the SP-Star Meteor White, a linear switch. The Box Jade is perfect for those who crave a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on these switches a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a more subdued option. This gentle linear switch is easy to push and provides a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. Both its type feel and sound profile are very soft, offering a more mellow typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the SP-Star Meteor White switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that provides a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound experiences based on their respective top housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kailh Box Jade and the SP-Star Meteor White switches utilize nylon. This material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon has the ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, regardless of which switch you choose, both will provide a similar typing experience with regards to the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches elicit a richer and more satisfying sound when pressed.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound profile. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the difference in top housing materials between the Kailh Box Jade and the SP-Star Meteor White will affect the sound when a key is released. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade will provide a sharper and crisper sound when keys are let go, while the nylon top housing of the Meteor White will create a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is clear that the Box Jade is the heavier option. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range. In contrast, the Meteor White's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Meteor White is 57 grams, classified as medium-light.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can significantly impact typing or gaming experiences. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Meteor White, as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing strain or fatigue. This would make it ideal for individuals using a keyboard for work or participating in long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel, which provides a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Jade more satisfying. This heavier force allows for a greater tactile response, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke.
Ultimately, when comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches, it becomes apparent that the Box Jade is the heavier option, while the Meteor White falls into the lighter or medium-light category. However, without a specific value for the Meteor White's actuation force, it is difficult to determine the exact differences between the two. Nevertheless, with consideration of personal preferences and desired typing experiences, one can find a suitable switch option that aligns with their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it becomes clear that there is a difference between the two. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance. On the other hand, the Meteor White has a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the traditional measurement. If you prefer a keyboard with a shorter travel distance for a more responsive feel, the Box Jade is the ideal choice. It offers a quicker response time which is favored by gamers. However, if you enjoy a deeper keypress and find short travel distances too abrupt, the Meteor White, with its longer travel distance, would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you value a faster response or a more substantial keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch stands out with its high-pitched and crunchy profile. The sharp and crisp clicks produced by these switches are reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a more subdued sound experience. The gentle, pitter-patter sound profile of this switch creates a softer and more neutral auditory experience, described as a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." While the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps, the Box Jade will provide a distinct high-pitched and crunchy sound, while the Meteor White offers a gentle and thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade provides an accented and invigorating typing experience. These switches offer a medium tactile feel, combining a prominent amount of tactility with a balanced level of feedback. With their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, typing on the Box Jade switches is invigorating and immersive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. The gentle tactile feedback of these switches creates a more approachable typing experience, suitable for a wide range of users. The smooth and refined finish of the Meteor White switches also contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, the Box Jade delivers an accented and invigorating feel, while the Meteor White delivers a mild and polished typing experience.
Considering all available information, the Kailh Box Jade and SP-Star Meteor White switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Jade is best suited for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and invigorating feel. Its high-pitched, crunchy sound and accented, invigorating feel make it a great choice for users who enjoy tactile feedback and immersive typing. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch provides a gentle and subdued experience. Its soft, pitter-patter sound and mild, polished feel make it a versatile option suitable for a wide range of users. Whether one prefers the crispness and crunchiness of the Box Jade or the softness and subtlety of the Meteor White, both switches offer their unique qualities for a satisfying keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and prominent tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switch is the perfect choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying resistance while typing, and the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps enhance the overall typing experience. Additionally, if you enjoy a high-pitched sound profile with the satisfying sound of stepping on autumn leaves, the Box Jade switch is a great option.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and gentle typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is ideal for you. With a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, this switch is easy to push and offers a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. Its neutral switch characteristics make it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the keyboard at home or work. The Meteor White switch also provides a mild typing experience, with a safe middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. Its polished finish ensures smooth and refined key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the SP-Star Meteor White switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with clicky and tactile feedback, or a more subdued and gentle typing experience with a softer sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs.
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