Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Brown offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Jade is a clicky switch, ideal for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing feel with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on the Box Jade a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, providing a smooth typing experience with a subtle bump at the actuation point. While the Box Jade is described as high-pitched, accented, invigorating, and crunchy, the Brown switch does not have specific standout characteristics. If you prefer a clicky typing experience with pronounced tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the way to go. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Brown, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This means that they will both produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. The similarities in their top housings suggest that users can expect a similar level of clarity and resonance in the sound produced by both switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Box Jade utilizes nylon while the Outemu Brown also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With both switches incorporating nylon bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the depth and richness of the sound produced when pressing down on the keys.
While the top housings of the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Brown share the same material, the difference in their bottom housings will impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material affect the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, despite the similarities in their top housings, the different bottom housing materials of the Box Jade and the Outemu Brown will result in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch both fall into the medium-weight category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Jade has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Brown's 53 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Box Jade is 60 grams, while the Brown requires 65 grams to bottom out, making it slightly heavier in this regard. Those looking for a lighter typing experience for extended periods may prefer the Box Jade, while users who enjoy a more substantial push feel might lean towards the Outemu Brown. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced force that provides a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The Box Jade offers a slightly shorter keypress, potentially appealing to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown provides a bit more depth to the keypress, which may feel more satisfying to some users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10.
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 offers a high-pitched and crunchy typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, keep in mind that sound can be influenced by various factors including the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch provides an accented and invigorating typing experience, offering a medium-heavy actuation force with a tactile bump that is both satisfying and not too overwhelming. In contrast, details on the tactile feel of the Outemu Brown switch are not available at this time. Despite this lack of information, it is important to note that the feel of a switch is a personal preference, and some users may prefer a lighter or heavier tactile experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a different sound and feel profile, the Outemu Brown switch could also be a suitable option, although more information on its qualities would be needed for a direct comparison. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and distinct tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the way to go. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, the Outemu Brown switches are a solid choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your preference for typing feel and sound profile. Whether you opt for the bold clicks of the Box Jade or the balanced tactility of the Brown, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
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