Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a wide variety of options to choose from. Two popular choices are the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Box Jade is best known for its medium-heavy typing experience, clicky sound profile, and satisfying tactility. Typing on these switches is accompanied by crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, providing a unique and invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches are beloved for their translucent appearance and light actuation force of 37g. These switches offer effortless typing and minimize finger fatigue, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions. With a satisfying and discernible tactile bump at 50g of force, each keystroke on the Phalaenopsis switch is a delightful experience.
However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Phalaenopsis in terms of housing materials lies in their bottom housings. The Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing, while the Phalaenopsis has a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon as a material is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This creates a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound, the Box Jade with its nylon bottom housing would be a better choice, while the Phalaenopsis with its polycarbonate bottom housing would provide a sharper and crisper sound.
In terms of their top housing materials, both the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Phalaenopsis utilize polycarbonate. This common material choice results in a similar sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for better light transmission. Therefore, if you prioritize a clear and resonant sound, as well as the ability to showcase RGB lighting effects, both the Box Jade and the Phalaenopsis would deliver similar results due to their polycarbonate top housings.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of a switch, the qualities of the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. As the Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing and the Phalaenopsis has a polycarbonate bottom housing, the resulting sound and tactile feedback during key presses may differ between the two switches. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when you release a key. As both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings, the sound profile when letting go of a key would likely be quite similar. It's important to consider these factors when choosing a switch as they can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Phalaenopsis has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Jade requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Phalaenopsis. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade is heavier at 60 grams, while the Phalaenopsis is lighter at 50 grams. This means that the Box Jade offers a more substantial typing experience as it requires a stronger push to fully press the keys, while the Phalaenopsis provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a more responsive and effortless typing experience. Overall, the Box Jade is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Phalaenopsis, providing a more solid and robust feel. However, it's important to note that individual preferences play a significant role, as some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Phalaenopsis for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Phalaenopsis has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Jade. Both switches fall into the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. However, the trend for shorter travel distances has gained popularity, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Box Jade switch with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper keystroke feel, the Phalaenopsis switch with its longer travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 produces a high-pitched and crunchy sound. The high-pitched nature of the switch delivers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more distinct clicky sound. The crunchiness of the switch adds to the auditory experience, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a bassy and thocky sound. The bassy nature of the switch creates a deeper and richer sound profile, bringing forth a lower frequency range reminiscent of bass tones. The thocky attribute further enhances the typing experience, producing a deep, satisfying sound when the key is pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound produced by the switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is characterized as accented and invigorating. The accented nature of the switch refers to its medium tactility, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This makes the typing experience satisfying and noticeable without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, the invigorating aspect of the switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. These qualities combine to create an immersive and enjoyable typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as stepped. This means that the switch feels like it has two stages during the keystroke. Unlike hypertactile switches that have a large bump throughout the keystroke, stepped switches have a milder sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Unfortunately, more specific details about the feel of the Phalaenopsis switch are not available.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade switch is best known for its medium-heavy typing experience, clicky sound profile, accented tactility, and invigorating feel. It offers crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, making it a great option for those seeking a distinct and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is praised for its effortless typing with a light actuation force, a satisfying tactile bump, and a bassy and thocky sound profile. Though the specific feel details of the Phalaenopsis switch are unknown, it promises to minimize finger fatigue and provide a delightful typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch can deliver similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer different experiences based on your preferences. If you want a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and a noticeable tactile bump, the Box Jade is the perfect choice for you. The high-pitched and crunchy sound of the Box Jade switches will provide a satisfying and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with effortless typing and minimized finger fatigue, the Phalaenopsis switch with its light actuation force and discernible tactile bump will be a delightful option. The Phalaenopsis switches also offer a bassy and thocky sound profile, creating a deep and rich sound with each key press. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.
Mentioned in this article
