Kailh Box Jade vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique typing experience, you may want to consider either the Kailh Box Jade or the Cherry MX Brown. The Box Jades are perfect for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing feel accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a delight. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns are renowned for their subtlety. These switches provide a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. With their textured feel and low-pitched sound, they offer a more understated typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 Cherry MX Brown switches exhibit distinct characteristics. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Brown employs a nylon top housing. Typing on switches with nylon housings produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder effect.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon. This choice of material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muffled and rounded sound. Therefore, both the Box Jade and MX Brown are comparable in terms of their bottom-out sound and feel, thanks to the utilization of nylon in their bottom housings.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials is distributed differently between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This means that although the Box Jade and MX Brown differ in their specific housing materials, the overall typing experience and resulting sound may be quite similar, as the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, while the MX Brown requires a lighter force of 45 grams to initiate a keystroke. This means that the Box Jade provides a slightly heavier push feel compared to the MX Brown. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Jade requires 60 grams of force, whereas the MX Brown requires 55 grams. Both switches fall under the medium weight category, but the MX Brown can be considered slightly lighter. These differences in force can have an impact on the typing experience. Those who prefer a more substantial feel and enjoy a stronger push may lean towards the Box Jade, while those who prefer a lighter touch and the ability to type for longer periods may opt for the MX Brown. However, it is worth noting that the differences in force between the two switches are relatively minimal, so one can achieve similar results with both switches.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have different travel distances. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Brown's travel distance is closer to the traditional 4.0 mm, which is the most common and familiar distance for many users. On the other hand, the Box Jade's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times. This shorter distance allows for quick and precise key presses, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade to be too abrupt and prefer the deeper and more satisfying feel of the MX Brown. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness and depth of key presses.
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 Brown 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 clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. The clicks produced by these switches are sharp and crisp, creating a satisfying auditory experience that resembles stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a subtler audio feedback. These switches have a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The MX Browns deliver a more subdued sound compared to the Box Jades, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers an accented and invigorating tactile experience. The tactility of these switches is described as medium, providing a noticeable bump when pressed without being overwhelming or scratchy. This means that the typing sensation is immersive and satisfying, without causing any discomfort during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is known for its textured feel. These switches have a noticeable friction when pressed, which some users might prefer for added feedback. However, others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience, so the textured feel of MX Browns may not be suitable for everyone.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jades provide a high-pitched and crunchy sound with a medium-heavy typing experience, crisp clicks, and crunchy tactile bumps. They offer an invigorating and accented tactile feel that is neither overwhelming nor scratchy. On the other hand, the MX Browns deliver a subtler audio feedback with a relatively light typing experience. They have a bassy and low-pitched sound, and a textured feel that some users prefer for added friction during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience. However, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound, the Box Jade can provide a high-pitched clicky experience, while the MX Brown offers a quieter and more subdued feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches provide crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps when typing, offering an invigorating typing sensation. They have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium.
On the other hand, if you prefer a relatively light typing experience with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches would be more suitable for you. These switches offer gentle tactility and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. They are known for their subtlety, providing a more textured typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Box Jade switches produce a high-pitched and crunchy sound, resembling stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, these switches are a great choice. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches have a bassy and low-pitched sound, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses.
When it comes to feel, the Box Jade switches are described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. They also offer an invigorating and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the MX Brown switches are described as textured, having noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Box Jade and MX Brown switches will depend on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and prominent tactility, or a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Take into account the sound profile and feel that you find most appealing. With these considerations in mind, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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