Kailh Box Jade vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box Jade and the Cherry MX Black are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for users. If you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Box Jade switches are perfect for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the MX Black switches from Cherry provide a classic textured smoothness that is enhanced by Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. With a deep sound profile and a slightly stiffer feel, these switches offer a different typing experience altogether. While these general pointers can give you a good idea of what to expect, it's important to delve deeper into the characteristics of each switch to determine the best fit for your individual preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Cherry MX Black switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it especially useful for those who want to enhance the aesthetics of their keyboard. In contrast, the MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Regarding the bottom housing, both the Box Jade and the MX Black switches utilize nylon, which is known as a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This creates a more muted and rounded sound when compared to switches that use stiffer plastics. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, the qualities provided by nylon are similar for both switches.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch have different impacts on its overall sound profile. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, in this case, nylon, will be felt, resulting in the characteristic deep and full sound. Conversely, the top housing, whether polycarbonate in the Box Jade or nylon in the MX Black, will influence the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the materials used for the top and bottom housings of the switches differ, their contributions to sound and feel are distinct, ensuring a varied typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams. This means that the Box Jade requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade also has a lighter force of 60 grams, while the MX Black has a heavier force of 80 grams. This indicates that the MX Black switch requires more pressure to fully press the key down.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods might find the Box Jade more suitable, as it requires less force for actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for individuals using their keyboard at work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the MX Black's heavier actuation and bottom out forces offer a more satisfying feedback.
Although the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two switches, both can provide similar results depending on personal preference. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Jade and MX Black switches comes down to whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Jade. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered the standard, while 3.0 mm is on the shallow end. However, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Box Jade with its shorter travel distance might be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance like the MX Black for a more substantial feel. Regardless of which switch you choose, both options will provide satisfactory results, with the Box Jade offering a slightly shorter travel distance and the MX Black offering a slightly longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00.
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 provides a high-pitched and crunchy experience. The sharp and crisp sound produced when pressing these switches is reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow. The sound produced by these switches is deep and familiar. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating tactile experience. It falls in the medium tactile category, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Typing on these switches feels snappy, reactive, and immersive. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff. The textured nature of these switches introduces noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, making it a stiffer switch that demands more force when pressing the keys.
To conclude, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and a crunchy tactile feel. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide a satisfying typing sensation for those who prefer a tactile switch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch provides a classic textured smoothness with a deep sound profile and a stiffer feel. While the two switches differ in sound and feel, they both offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. Understanding your personal preferences and typing style will help guide you in choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a smoother and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switches with their Hyperglide tooling are an excellent option. They offer a classic textured smoothness and a low-pitched sound. When it comes to sound, the Box Jade switches produce a high-pitched and crunchy sound, while the MX Black switches have a low-pitched and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Box Jade switches offer an accented and invigorating typing sensation, while the MX Black switches are textured and stiff, requiring more force to actuate. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.
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