Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Grey offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Jade is ideal for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile bumps, making it perfect for users looking for an invigorating and accented typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, catering to individuals seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Grey, both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that contributes to a clear and resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Box Jade and the Silent Grey differ in their bottom housing material, with the Box Jade featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Silent Grey also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housing, the differentiation in their nylon bottom housing offers users distinct typing experiences. The split between the top and bottom housings affects the sound and feel of each keystroke, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material contribute to the overall typing experience, influencing the depth and tone of the sound produced. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released, showcasing the importance of both housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of the switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Grey contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sharp and crisp sound profiles, the differentiation in their nylon bottom housing material provides distinct typing sensations. The Box Jade's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing produces a rounder and duller sound. The combination of these housing materials in each switch plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for users, highlighting the importance of housing material in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that they both have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Box Jade has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Outemu Silent Grey, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Box Jade will provide a lighter typing experience compared to the Silent Grey, which offers a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the Silent Grey can be considered medium-heavy due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Grey has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Silent Grey switch slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Box Jade. In general, a shorter travel distance can provide a quicker response time, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster reactions. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can offer a more satisfying key press for those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing 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 Silent Grey 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 switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy typing experience, producing sharp and crisp clicks reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a quiet typing experience without any specific sound descriptors available. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. In contrast, there is no specific information available about the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the specific feel may vary based on personal preference and typing style.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade switch is best suited for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is ideal for individuals looking for a quiet and highly tactile typing experience. While both switches offer unique qualities, it's important to consider personal preferences and intended usage when choosing between the two. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharp clicks of the Box Jade or the quiet tactility of the Silent Grey, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it all boils down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a loud clicky sound profile and strong tactile feedback, then the Box Jade is the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystrokes, then the Silent Grey switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing style, environment, and sound preferences when making your decision, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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