Kailh Box Jade vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and Outemu Tom offer unique typing experiences for users. The Box Jade is a clicky switch that provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. If you enjoy crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps while typing, the Box Jades are perfect for you. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch that is known for its smooth and subtle tactile feedback. While it may not have the same clicky sound profile as the Box Jades, the Tom offers a different typing experience that some users may prefer. 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
3.30 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 Kailh Box Jade and Outemu Tom both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches use the same material for their top housing, the overall sound profile may vary slightly due to other factors such as stem design and spring weight.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Box Jade and Tom utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound experience, the impact may be more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switches.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade and Outemu Tom share similarities in their housing materials, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This results in comparable sound profiles characterized by sharpness and fullness. However, differences may arise in the overall typing experience based on additional factors such as stem design and switch construction. Ultimately, whether you choose the Box Jade or Tom, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with unique characteristics attributed to their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Tom's 55 grams, making the Box Jade the lighter option. Both switches, however, have a similar bottom out force, with the Box Jade requiring 60 grams and the Tom's force being unknown. The actuation force of the Box Jade allows for a quicker trigger of keystrokes, ideal for fast typists or gamers. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Tom may provide a more tactile and deliberate typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force, with lighter switches being more suitable for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. In this case, the Box Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Tom, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when typing. However, in terms of practical use, the difference between 3.6 mm and 3.3 mm may not be significant enough to noticeably affect typing or gaming performance. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, catering to users who prefer a quicker key press.
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 Tom 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 is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, delivering sharp and crisp clicks with each keystroke. This can be especially satisfying for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Tom tactile switch are unknown, but keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch is said to offer an accented and invigorating typing experience. The tactile bumps it provides are pronounced and satisfying, without being overwhelming or too subtle. This can make typing on the Box Jade switch quite immersive and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Tom switch is not described, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and notable tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be a great choice. However, if the tactile characteristics of the Outemu Tom switch are more to your liking, you may find it to be a suitable alternative. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for you, so trying out different options may be beneficial in finding the perfect fit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch or the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Box Jade would be a great choice for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if bottom out force and sound profile are not major concerns for you, the Outemu Tom switch might be worth considering. Remember to take into account the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision is yours based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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