Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Ocean are two popular options to explore. The Box Jade stands out for its medium-heavy typing experience, clicky sound profile, and tactile feedback. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on these switches a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is known for its tactile feedback without the audible click. While the Box Jade offers an invigorating and accentuated typing experience, the Ocean provides a more subdued tactile feel. Deciding between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference; 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
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Ocean differ in terms of how the qualities of these materials are distributed throughout the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This split of qualities between the top and bottom housings can result in a unique typing experience for each switch, even when they share the same types of materials.
In conclusion, while both the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Ocean utilize polycarbonate for their top housings and nylon for their bottom housings, the distribution of these materials within the switches creates subtle differences in typing experience. The sharper, higher-pitched sound profile of polycarbonate is complemented by the deeper and fuller sound produced by nylon, resulting in switches that offer a balance of clarity and depth in their sound profiles. Whether deciding between the two switches or seeking a similar result, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel is essential for choosing the right switch for your typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ocean's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires a heavier 60 grams compared to the Ocean, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Box Jade may feel lighter to type on initially, but it will require more force to fully press the keys compared to the Ocean. Overall, if both switches were to have the same bottom out force, typing on them would result in a similar experience despite the slight difference in actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with some users preferring the lighter actuation force of the Box Jade for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the Ocean for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is 4 mm. The Box Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ocean. A 3.6 mm travel distance is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Ocean switch provides a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance - shorter for quicker response or longer for a more substantial keypress.
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 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
The Kailh Box Jade switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, providing sharp and crisp clicks that are reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean switch's sound profile is unknown, making it difficult to compare in this aspect. When it comes to the feel, the Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience with medium tactile feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. This creates a satisfying typing sensation that is not overwhelming but still provides a noticeable amount of tactility. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Ocean switch is unknown, making it challenging to compare the two in this regard.
Overall, if you prefer a clicky switch with a high-pitched sound profile and medium-heavy typing experience, the Kailh Box Jade switch may be the better option for you. However, if you are interested in the Outemu Ocean switch, it is essential to consider other factors such as keycaps and keyboard configuration to fully assess its performance. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the best choice will depend on your individual typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, then the Box Jade would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a different tactile experience or want to explore switches with a different feel and sound profile, the Outemu Ocean might be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch - whether it's the sound, feel, or overall typing experience.
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