Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, it all comes down to your personal preferences. The Box Jade is ideal for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. In contrast, the Silent Green switch offers a linear feel without any audible sound. If you prefer a quieter, more seamless typing experience, the Silent Green may be the way to go. 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Green, one notable difference is in the bottom housing material. The Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green. On the other hand, the Silent Green features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer nature creating a more resonant sound.
In terms of the top housing material, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Green feature polycarbonate top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness plays a role in creating a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it a popular choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard.
Overall, while both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials leads to varying sound profiles. The Box Jade with its nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Green with its polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between these two switches would ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile, with the nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade catering to those who prefer a softer and more absorbing typing experience, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green appeals to those seeking a clearer and more resonant sound.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch are fairly similar, with both switches having a bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Green's 45 grams. This means that the Box Jade may feel slightly heavier when initially pressing the key, while both switches will feel the same when fully pressed down. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Green for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier 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 force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Green has a longer travel distance compared to the Box Jade. The shorter travel distance of the Box Jade may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Green may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response speed. However, both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances.
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 Silent Green 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 each press. This sound profile is perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's sound characteristics are not specified, but it is important to note that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch provides an accented and invigorating typing experience, offering a medium-heavy actuation force with tactile bumps that are not overwhelming but still noticeable. This tactile feedback combined with the moderate actuation force can result in a satisfying typing sensation for those who prefer a more tactile switch. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is not detailed, making it difficult to directly compare to the Box Jade.
Overall, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a crunchy sound profile and medium-heavy tactile bumps, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are seeking a linear switch with a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green may provide a different typing feel. It is important to consider your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, 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. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them enjoyable and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent linear switch with a medium bottom out force for a smoother typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Whether you enjoy the clicky feedback of the Box Jades or the silent operation of the Silent Greens, both switches offer unique experiences to enhance your typing experience.
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