Kailh Box Jade vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Olive stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Box Jade is favored for its medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a crisp click and crunchy tactile bumps while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches are known for their resonant, deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making them a satisfying choice for those seeking a sharp bottom-out feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Olive differ significantly in terms of the top housing materials used. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Olive utilizes a POM top housing, known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade is likely to result in a brighter and more resonant sound compared to the POM top housing of the Olive.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both switches have similar characteristics. The Box Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Similarly, the Olive features a POM bottom housing with the same deep and muted sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing materials suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the differences primarily stemming from their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Olive may come down to personal preference in sound profile. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Box Jade with its polycarbonate top housing may be more appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more muted sound, the Bsun Olive with its POM top housing may be the better option. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the difference mainly lying in the top housing materials and the resulting sound profiles they produce.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both fall within the medium range when it comes to actuation force, with the Box Jade requiring 50 grams and the Olive needing 45 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade is lighter at 60 grams compared to the Olive's 65 grams, making the Olive switch slightly heavier. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Box Jade clicky switch providing a crisp and tactile feedback, while the Olive tactile switch offers a bumpier response. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Box Jade may be more suitable, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Olive switch would be a better choice for those who prefer a more pronounced resistance for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular for their faster response times, especially preferred by gamers. If you prioritize a quicker response, the Bsun Olive switch may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a slightly more substantial keypress with more depth, the Kailh Box Jade switch with a slightly longer travel distance may be more up your alley. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and the choice between them will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy experience that is sharp and satisfying to the ear. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch provides a resonant, deep sound due to its all-POM housings, creating a unique auditory experience that stands out. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Jade leaning towards a crisper, clicky sound, and the Olive providing a deeper, more resonant tone.
In terms of feel, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Olive switches offer an accented tactile experience that strikes a balance between being noticeable without being overwhelming. The invigorating feedback of both switches adds to the typing sensation, making each keypress feel responsive and engaging. Additionally, the Olive switch is described as having a sharp and snappy tactile bump that enhances the overall feel of the switch, adding to the tactile experience that users appreciate.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a unique sound profile that is clicky and crisp, the Kailh Box Jade would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and more resonant sound, along with a tactile experience that is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Bsun Olive switch would be a suitable option. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience that is sure to please enthusiasts, providing a satisfying combination of sound and feel for different preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a loud clicky sound profile and strong tactile feedback, the Box Jade switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with deep, resonant sound and a pronounced, sharp tactile feedback, the Olive switches may be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences.
Mentioned in this article
