Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Milk Tea offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Box Jade is ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch doesn't have a standout feature like the Box Jade, but it offers a more subtle tactile feedback. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a gentle bump feeling, the Milk Tea switch might be more appealing to you. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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 Milk Tea, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile for both switches, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the integration of RGB lighting, making these switches not only functional but visually appealing as well.
While the Box Jade and Milk Tea both share polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Milk Tea also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering similar sound qualities. Both switches benefit from the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Milk Tea offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique combinations of housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch reveals some interesting differences. The Kailh Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea's 45 grams, making the Box Jade the lighter option in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box Jade is also the heavier option in terms of bottoming out force. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the stronger push feel of the Box Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is clear that the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milk Tea has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Jade falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for fast response times. On the other hand, the Milk Tea provides a deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial actuation feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Box Jade offering a quicker keystroke and the Milk Tea providing a more pronounced typing experience. Both switches can deliver satisfactory results depending on individual typing preferences.
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 Tea 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 profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound with each press. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have any known sound descriptions available. Depending on your preference, if you enjoy a more clicky and audible typing experience, the Box Jade would be a great choice.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating tactile experience, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. This results in a satisfying typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch. If you prefer a switch with a noticeable tactile bump and responsive feedback, the Box Jade would be a suitable option.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a clicky sound profile and medium tactile feel, the Kailh Box Jade would be a great choice based on the provided information. However, if you are interested in the Outemu Milk Tea switch, it is recommended to further research or try it out for yourself to determine if it meets your preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that may cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 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 the perfect choice for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force that is not specified and are not concerned about sound or feel descriptors, the Outemu Milk Tea switches might be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision between the Box Jade and Milk Tea switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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