Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Mini i. The Box Jade is renowned for its medium-heavy typing experience, clicky sound profile, and satisfying tactility, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers a more subtle and lightweight typing experience, with gentle tactility and a fairly quiet sound profile, perfect for office settings where noise can be a concern. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a unique combination of properties that result in a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile when typing. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, while the softness of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound profile. This dual housing material setup offers a balance between sharpness and depth in the sound produced, providing a satisfying typing experience that appeals to those looking for a blend of clarity and richness in their keyboard switches.
On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent sound profile that is characterized by its depth and fullness. The softer nature of nylon in both housings creates a duller and rounder sound, absorbing more sound and minimizing any sharpness or resonance. While this may appeal to some users seeking a more muted typing experience, others may find the lack of contrast between the top and bottom housings to be less dynamic and engaging compared to switches with different housing materials for each component.
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Mini i, it is clear that the choice of material for both the top and bottom housings plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of a switch. The Box Jade's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a balanced blend of sharpness and depth, resulting in a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. On the other hand, the Mini i's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing may appeal to those who prefer a more uniform sound profile, albeit one that is less dynamic in contrast. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel in their typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch differ in weight, with the Mini i being the lighter option. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Box Jade offers a medium resistance level, while the Mini i provides a lighter touch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Box Jade, while those looking for a lighter feel that allows for longer typing sessions may prefer the Mini i. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force, providing a satisfactory typing experience depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their quicker response times, especially among gamers. However, the 0.2 mm difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Kailh Box Jade more to their liking, while those who prioritize quick key presses may lean towards the Gateron Mini i. Overall, both switches offer a balance between responsiveness and depth, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00.
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 offers a high-pitched and crunchy experience, creating a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. This is ideal for those who enjoy a more distinctive and impactful auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch provides a more neutral sound profile, offering a moderate and balanced tone that is suitable for most environments. Depending on your personal preference, the Box Jade switch will deliver a more vibrant and attention-grabbing sound compared to the subtle and understated sound of the Mini i.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating, providing a medium tactile experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. This offers an immersive typing sensation that can enhance the overall typing experience for those who enjoy a more tactile response. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press feel that is light and comfortable, ideal for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Mini i switch provides a mild and subtle typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a gentler typing feel without sacrificing feedback or responsiveness.
Overall, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a loud and distinctive clicky sound with a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience with a gentle tactile response, the Gateron Mini i switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, the Box Jade switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and a more muted sound profile, the Mini i switches are a great choice, especially for use in office settings where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and satisfying to you as you type.
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