Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you crave a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch is a top contender. Known for its high-pitched and accented profile, these switches offer an invigorating typing experience with crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, if smoothness and effortless typing are your priorities, the KTT Pine linear switch might be the one for you. With a buttery smooth feel and a low-pitched profile, these translucent, forest green switches provide a creamy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Pine both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of the material allows for the utilization of RGB lighting, making them visually appealing options for those interested in dynamic lighting effects.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Box Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing. This is due to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
It's worth noting that if a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housing, the characteristics of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will activate the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have more influence on the sound generated when releasing a key. While the specific materials used differ, both switches offer a range of sound profiles that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that both switches have similar force requirements. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams, slightly heavier than the Pine's 45 grams. Similarly, the Box Jade has a bottom out force of 60 grams, slightly heavier than the Pine's 58 grams. While the differences in force are minimal, the Box Jade can be considered slightly heavier than the Pine in both actuation and bottom out forces.
Considering the weight of a switch is important as it affects the typing experience. Some users prefer a lighter actuation force, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lighter weight is suitable for keyboards used in work environments or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing feel. These users may find satisfaction in switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
In terms of actuation and bottom out forces, both the Box Jade and Pine switches fall into the medium force category. This means that they provide a balanced typing experience, not being too heavy or too light. For users who are seeking switches with similar actuation and bottom out forces, either the Box Jade or Pine switches can deliver similar results.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Pine has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Box Jade has a shorter distance of 3.6 mm. The Pine's 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a deeper and more substantial key press experience. On the other hand, the Box Jade's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it ideal for gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. They offer different preferences for users based on their desired level of responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
The Kailh Box Jade switch is best known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect sharp and crisp clicks that resemble the sound of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. The sound produced by these switches is deep and rich, reminiscent of bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Box Jade is described as accented and invigorating. This means that they offer a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still provides a noticeable bump when pressed. They also offer a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The Pine switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The application of lubricant at the factory contributes to their buttery feel, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade and KTT Pine switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, along with an accented and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a buttery and creamy feel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose either switch to achieve similar results in terms of typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and prominent tactility, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is the perfect choice for you. Its 60 gram bottom out force provides a satisfying typing experience, with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. It offers a high-pitched sound that produces sharp and crisp clicks, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. The Box Jade switch also provides an invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback and a snappy typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, it offers buttery smooth key travel thanks to a polished, factory-lubed finish. The Pine switch provides a bassy sound profile with low-pitched switches, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Its buttery feel ensures a seamless and uniform typing sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch depends on your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clicky sound with crunchy tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the switch for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and more effortless typing experience with a bassy sound profile, the Pine switch is the better option. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make the right choice.
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