Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silent Ocean offer two unique typing experiences. The Box Jade is ideal for individuals who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on the Box Jade a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a smooth and silent linear typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing feel. 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
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
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
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and Outemu Silent Ocean switches are quite similar, as both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, the Nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade differs from the Silent Ocean's, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. This contrast in bottom housing material may affect the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switches.
On the other hand, both the Kailh Box Jade and Outemu Silent Ocean switches share similarities in their housing materials, offering users a clear and resonant sound profile with their polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the typing experience by providing a sharp and crisp sound when typing on the switches. However, the differences in their Nylon bottom housing materials may lead to variations in the sound produced when bottoming out the keys. While Nylon tends to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate may affect the overall typing feel and sound of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches such as the Kailh Box Jade and Outemu Silent Ocean plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the differences in their Nylon bottom housing materials may lead to variations in the overall typing sound and feel. Users looking for a deeper and fuller sound may prefer the Nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade, while those seeking a sharper and crisper sound profile may favor the Silent Ocean. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Box Jade has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams while the Silent Ocean needs 65 grams, making the Silent Ocean the heavier option. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, but the Silent Ocean leans more towards the medium-heavy side when it comes to bottom out force. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with lighter switches like the Box Jade being preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches like the Silent Ocean providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In the end, those who prefer a lighter feel will find similarities in both switches, while those who want a heavier experience will lean towards the Silent Ocean.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. The Box Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean. The 3.6mm travel distance of the Box Jade may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the 4mm travel distance of the Silent Ocean may provide a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer deeper key travel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, with the Box Jade being shorter and the Silent Ocean being longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch produces a high-pitched and crunchy sound that is sharp and crisp, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp leaves. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is not available. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience with a medium-heavy tactile bump that is not overwhelming but still provides a satisfying feedback. The Outemu Silent Ocean switch does not have available information regarding its tactile feel.
Taking all available information into consideration, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile bumps, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be a perfect choice for you. However, if you are looking for a linear switch with a silent operation, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, it is important to try out different switches to determine which one aligns best with your preferences for typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and silent linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Silent Ocean might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing performance.
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