Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Milk Blue mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are clicky switches, it is important to note that each offers a unique typing experience. The Box Jades are ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing feel with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, making them stand out for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switches do not have a specific standout feature. While both switches provide a satisfying clicky typing experience, the Box Jades offer a more defined and invigorating typing sensation. 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
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Milk Blue switches, it is apparent that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. The similarities in the top housing material suggest that users can expect similar sound profiles when using either the Box Jade or the Milk Blue switches.
While the top housings of both switches are made of polycarbonate, the bottom housings differentiate the two switches. The Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Milk Blue also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their nylon components.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings are divided between them. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of materials for both the top and bottom housings contributes to the overall typing experience. Whether using the Kailh Box Jade or the Outemu Milk Blue, users can expect a combination of sharp, high-pitched sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and deep, full sounds from the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Box Jade has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Milk Blue's bottom out force is not specified. This makes the Box Jade slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out compared to the Milk Blue, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, if both switches have the same bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and comfort. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference based on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Jade is the shorter option, providing quicker response times favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Milk Blue offers a longer travel distance, giving a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box Jade being on the shorter end and the Milk Blue on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and response time.
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 Milk 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
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp click when typing. The tactile feedback is accentuated and invigorating, providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a prominent amount of tactility. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound and feel qualities is unavailable. However, based on the known qualities of the Box Jade, it can be inferred that the Milk Blue may offer a similar experience with a high-pitched sound profile and accentuated tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer clicky switches with a medium-heavy feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be a great choice for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you are unable to find specific information on the Outemu Milk Blue switches or are looking for a switch with similar characteristics as the Box Jade, the Box Jades may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, but for a newcomer seeking a clicky switch with a medium-heavy feel, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be a solid choice.
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