Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Blue mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are clicky switches, you will have to consider your typing preference. The Box Jades are ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. They are known for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue switches do not have any specific standout features mentioned, making them a more standard option. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
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
2.20 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
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
Both the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may still produce slightly different sound profiles due to other factors such as stem design and overall construction.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Box Jade and the Dustproof Blue switches utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics. Nylon's softer nature helps to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Despite the similar bottom housing material, the type of nylon used in each switch may vary slightly, leading to subtle differences in sound and feel when typing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches offers a balanced sound profile that is both clear and resonant. While the differences between these switches may be minimal due to their shared housing materials, small variations in design and construction could result in distinct typing experiences. Ultimately, users may prefer one switch over the other based on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial key press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams while the Dustproof Blue demands 65 grams, making the Dustproof Blue slightly heavier. This means that while the initial keystroke sensation will feel the same on both switches, the Dustproof Blue will provide a bit more resistance when fully pressing down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box Jade may be the better option for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the heavier Dustproof Blue. In the end, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual user.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Dustproof Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Jade. The Box Jade's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Dustproof Blue's longer travel distance might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel. Both switches offer a satisfying clicky sensation, so either option would provide a similar experience in terms of tactile feedback.
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 Dustproof Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, along with a crunchy tactile feedback that resembles stepping on autumn leaves. This combination creates a satisfying and distinct auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, both switches are clicky switches, so you can expect a similar level of audible feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch provides an accented tactile sensation that is not overly pronounced but still offers a significant amount of feedback. This medium tactile experience, coupled with a moderate actuation force, creates an invigorating typing sensation that is both responsive and enjoyable. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch are lacking, making it challenging to draw a direct contrast. Nonetheless, given that both switches are clicky switches, they are likely to offer a comparable typing feel in terms of tactility and actuation.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch stands out for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, along with an accented tactile feel that delivers a satisfying typing experience. While information on the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is limited in terms of sound and feel, both switches belong to the clicky switch category, suggesting that they may offer similar results in terms of auditory feedback and tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, you should consider the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a crisp clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a higher bottom out force and potentially different sound and feel characteristics, the Dustproof Blue could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it is important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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