Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Jade is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a 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 Silver is a linear switch with a smoother keystroke and no tactile bump. While the Box Jade excels in providing an invigorating and accented typing experience, the Silver offers a quieter and more consistent 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
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
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 Silver switches, both switches have polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches means that they will likely produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Silver switches utilize nylon. This material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings provides a unique tactile feedback that differs from the sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Despite this difference, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box Jade and Outemu Silver switches differ in material, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the sound and feel when pressing down on a key will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing the key will be impacted by the top housing. Overall, both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their individual sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
In comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silver requires 65 grams, which is heavier than the Box Jade's 60 grams. This means that the Box Jade provides a slightly lighter touch for triggering keystrokes but requires a bit more pressure for bottoming out compared to the Silver, which offers a lighter bottom out force but a slightly heavier actuation force. Overall, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of force required, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference between the two. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silver has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Box Jade is the shorter of the two switches. It is important to note that a shorter travel distance can cater to those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and 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 Silver 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 clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp clicking noise while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound qualities are unknown. When it comes to feel, the Box Jade offers an accented and invigorating typing experience, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still prominent. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Silver switch is unspecified.
Overall, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a clicky sound profile and medium-heavy typing experience, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be a great option to consider. However, if you prefer linear switches and are unsure about the sound and feel of the Outemu Silver switch, opting for the Box Jade may provide you with similar results in terms of sound and feel. Remember that the final typing experience is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps being used.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and consistent linear feel without any audible feedback, the Silver switch would be a better choice. Consider your preferred bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel when making your decision, and you'll find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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