Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Cream Pink, a linear switch. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. With crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, typing on these switches can be invigorating. On the other hand, the Cream Pink switches offer a smooth and consistent typing experience without any clicky sound. While the Box Jade is categorized as high-pitched, accented, invigorating, and crunchy, the Cream Pink switch does not have any specific categorizations. 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
50g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Outemu Cream Pink, it is clear that both switches feature a nylon top housing. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. However, the Box Jade's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a different experience compared to the Cream Pink's nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate material in the Box Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making for a more clear and resonant typing experience.
While both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, the Kailh Box Jade stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in materials results in a distinct typing experience between the two switches. The duller and rounder sound profile of the Cream Pink is complemented by its nylon bottom housing, absorbing more sound to create a softer typing feel. On the other hand, the Box Jade's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, adding a level of clarity and resonance to each keystroke that sets it apart from the Cream Pink.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Cream Pink will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches share a nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the differing bottom housing materials offer distinct typing experiences. The Cream Pink's nylon bottom housing contributes to a softer and more absorbent typing feel, while the Box Jade's polycarbonate bottom housing delivers a sharper and more resonant sound. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in keyboard switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch are quite similar in terms of actuation force, both requiring 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade is lighter at 60 grams compared to the Cream Pink's 65 grams, making the Cream Pink the heavier option. This means that typing on the Box Jade may feel slightly lighter and more responsive, while typing on the Cream Pink may provide a bit more resistance and tactile feedback. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, suitable for typists and gamers who prefer a balanced feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing experience and the desired level of force required for each keystroke.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Cream Pink has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Jade offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Cream Pink provides a more substantial key press with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more deliberate feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
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 Cream Pink 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 is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, making each key press sharp and crisp with a satisfying click. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch's sound quality is unknown. The choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer the clicky sound of the Box Jade or are open to the unknown sound quality of the Cream Pink switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Jade offers an accented and invigorating typing experience with medium-heavy actuation force and tactile bumps that are described as crunchy. This makes for a tactile and responsive typing experience that many users enjoy. The feel of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is currently unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience, the Box Jade may be the better choice based on the available information.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch stands out for its crisp clicks, crunchy tactile bumps, high-pitched sound profile, and invigorating typing experience. The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, while lacking information on sound and feel, may offer a different typing experience altogether. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. If you prefer a clicky switch with tactile feedback, the Box Jade may be the way to go, while the Cream Pink switch could provide a smoother and quieter typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and a tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the ideal choice for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth keystroke without any audible feedback, the Outemu Cream Pink switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches would depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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