Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options, the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Miaowu, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Box Jade offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch boasts enhanced stem stability and smooth keystroke action, thanks to KTT's latest molds and innovative use of POK in its stem. While the Box Jade is known for its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Miaowu switch is characterized by its bouncy feel and distinctively clacky sound. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and KTT Miaowu switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this housing material for their tops, they may differ in the design or other aspects that could impact the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the Box Jade and Miaowu switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This material choice for the bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switches. Both switches share this housing material for the bottom, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and KTT Miaowu switches play a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound and nylon bottom housings for a fuller sound, any differences in design or construction can still result in distinct typing experiences. It's important for users to consider not only the housing materials but also other factors such as switch design and keycap compatibility when choosing between these two options.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Miaowu linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it lighter. Both switches have a fairly similar bottom out force, with the Box Jade requiring 60 grams and the Miaowu requiring 50 grams. The Box Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force, while the Miaowu offers a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the KTT Miaowu linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable to some users. The Box Jade offers a slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more deliberate and satisfying keystroke, while the Miaowu's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, making each key press feel crisp and satisfying. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, providing a different auditory experience. When it comes to feel, the Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium tactile feedback that is both noticeable but not overwhelming. Meanwhile, the Miaowu switch is characterized by its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like sensation when typing. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences. If you prefer a more high-pitched and crunchy sound with a medium-heavy typing experience, the Box Jade switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prioritize a smoother keystroke action and a bouncy feel, the Miaowu switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile typing experience with a clicky sound profile, then the Box Jades are the perfect choice for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke action with a lighter bottom out force, the Miaowu linear switches with their enhanced stem stability and bouncy feel may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize tactility and sound (Box Jade) or smoother keystrokes and lighter feel (Miaowu).
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