Kailh Box Jade vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Kailh Box Jade and Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, providing crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the MX Red but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is clear that both switches have differing characteristics due to their housing materials. The Box Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Box Jade leans towards a sharper sound, while the nylon of the Silent Red provides a rounder and duller sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Box Jade and Silent Red switches feature nylon bottom housings, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows for sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and duller sound output compared to harder plastics. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the similarity in bottom housing materials for these switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will primarily be influenced by the bottom housing material, showcasing the importance of both top and bottom housing in creating a unique typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Cherry MX Silent Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade offers a sharper and crisper sound, suitable for those who enjoy a more distinct typing experience. Meanwhile, the nylon top housing of the Silent Red provides a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for users who prefer a rounder and duller sound profile. Both switches showcase the significance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, highlighting the importance of considering these factors when selecting the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Silent Red's 45 grams, making the Box Jade slightly heavier in this aspect. However, the bottom out force of the Box Jade at 60 grams is unknown for the MX Silent Red. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Silent Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the Box Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular for quicker response times, especially among gamers. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, whether you prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Box Jade or the slightly longer travel distance of the MX Silent Red will depend on personal preference for typing feel and keypress response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy experience, providing sharp and crisp clicks with each keystroke. This profile is more reminiscent of traditional clicky switches, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch delivers a muted, thocky sound with a low-pitched tone, ensuring a quiet typing environment without sacrificing the tactile feedback associated with mechanical switches. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired level of noise and type of sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is described as offering an invigorating and accented tactile experience, providing a medium amount of tactility that is engaging without being overwhelming. This switch offers a firm actuation force and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation that many enthusiasts enjoy. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch provides a textured feel with noticeable friction when pressed, catering to users who prefer a smoother typing experience without sacrificing the tactile response. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences that can enhance the typing experience for users looking for specific tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles to cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile with an invigorating and accented tactile feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more traditional clicky typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a muted and thocky sound with a textured feel, ideal for users who value a quieter typing environment without compromising on tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jades are the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a quieter sound profile while maintaining a satisfying typing experience with a slightly heftier feel, the MX Silent Reds would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. Whether you opt for the high-pitched, accented feel of the Box Jade or the muted, textured feel of the MX Silent Red, both switches have their own unique qualities to offer.
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