Kailh Box Jade vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and Cherry MX Red stand out as popular choices with unique characteristics. The Box Jade is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, providing crisp clicks and crunchy bumps when typing. On the other hand, the MX Red is a classic Cherry switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deep sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Box Jade offers an invigorating and accented typing experience, the MX Red provides a thocky and textured feel. These general pointers can help guide your decision, but for a more informed choice, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you determine the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and Cherry MX Red both have top housings made of different materials, with the Box Jade featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the MX Red featuring a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the MX Red produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences in sound profile, both materials are known for their durability and transparency, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Kailh Box Jade and Cherry MX Red utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is valued for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for consistency in sound and feel when typing, ensuring a satisfying and comfortable user experience. While the top housing may have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of each keystroke.
In summary, the Kailh Box Jade and Cherry MX Red switches offer distinct sound profiles due to the differences in their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade creates a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Red produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a consistent and comfortable typing experience. Despite these differences, the switches share common qualities such as durability and the ability to work well with RGB lighting, providing users with quality options for their mechanical keyboard needs.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, we see some key differences. The Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Red's 45 grams, making the Box Jade the heavier of the two switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams, while the MX Red's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box Jade provides a more consistent typing experience throughout the keystroke, while the MX Red may offer a lighter feel overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the MX Red may be the better choice. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may prefer the Box Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, the Cherry MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Jade. The Box Jade's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Cherry MX Red's longer travel distance may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the slight difference in travel distance may result in a nuanced typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preference in regards to travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks with a reminiscent sound of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, resulting in a deep and satisfying keystroke experience with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your preference for sound, with the Box Jade providing a more crisp and high-pitched auditory feedback, while the MX Red offers a deeper and richer sound.
Moving on to feel, the Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium tactile sensation with a prominent amount of feedback that is not overwhelming but still provides a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red is noted for its textured feel, potentially implying a more frictional keystroke that some users may find preferable for a smoother typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback characteristics, with the Box Jade being more immersive and reactive, while the MX Red may provide a different typing sensation due to its textured nature.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinctive sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard users. The Box Jade excels in providing a high-pitched and crunchy sound with an invigorating and accented feel, while the MX Red delivers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with both switches offering satisfying typing experiences that are unique in their own right. Whether you prefer the crisp clicks of the Box Jade or the deeper thocks of the MX Red, both switches will provide a reliable and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactile feedback, then the Box Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile and a smooth linear action, the MX Red may be more suitable for you. Keep in mind the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to make an informed decision that aligns with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Jade and MX Red comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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