Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean stand out as popular choices, each offering a unique typing experience. The Box Jades are perfect for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. Users love the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps that add an invigorating element to typing. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch offers a smooth and silent typing experience, making it ideal for those in need of a quieter option. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Box Jade and Dustproof Silent Ocean also both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the differences lie in the overall sound profile they produce. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a crisper and more resonant sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean showcases a similar sharp and high-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top housing, with the nylon bottom housing further enhancing the overall sound profile with its absorption properties.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean will depend on personal preference for sound characteristics. Both switches offer a unique blend of sharpness and depth in their sound profiles, with the polycarbonate and nylon materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound on key release or a fuller sound on key press, each switch provides a distinct auditory feedback that caters to different typing preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, we can see some differences between the two. The Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean's 45 grams, making it a bit lighter. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dustproof Silent Ocean requires 65 grams, which is heavier than the Box Jade's 60 grams. Both switches fall under the medium weight category for actuation force but differ in bottom out force, with the Dustproof Silent Ocean being medium-heavy. In terms of typing experience, those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Dustproof Silent Ocean, while users looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Box Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one is seeking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Box Jade has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean's 3.3 mm. The Box Jade offers a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more profound sensation when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in quicker response times and may be favored by individuals looking for a more responsive keystroke. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ultimately providing a personalized typing or gaming 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean 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 experience, producing sharp and crisp clicks with a sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch provides an accented and invigorating typing experience with medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. This switch offers a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation. As for the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, information on its feel characteristics is unavailable, making it challenging to evaluate and compare directly with the Box Jade switch.
Overall, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switch is a solid choice. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a silent operation, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch might be worth considering, even though detailed information on its sound and feel is currently lacking. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your typing preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Box Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps they provide can enhance your typing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a linear switch that has a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switches may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.