Kailh Box Jade vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you on the hunt for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch that suits your preferences? Look no further as we introduce two outstanding options for you to consider - the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh Plum. While both switches offer their own unique benefits, they also showcase distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Box Jade is known for its medium-heavy typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. On the other hand, the Plum provides a slightly weighty feel without a prominent tactile bump, making it an intriguing choice for those seeking something different. While these generalities may pique your interest, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh Plum have several similarities. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for the switch to be translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Additionally, both switches have a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
However, there are some differences between the two housing materials. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum also has a polycarbonate top housing that shares similar qualities, but may have slight differences in terms of overall feel and sound.
The main distinction lies in the bottom housing material. The Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Plum also employs a nylon bottom housing, which elicits similar qualities to the Box Jade. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall sound experience when typing on these switches.
In summary, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Kailh Plum share similarities in their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound profile ideal for RGB lighting, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. While there may be slight differences between the two switches, overall, the results obtained from typing on these switches will be quite similar.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are some differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Plum switch has an unavailable actuation force and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box Jade may be the better option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for longer periods of typing, such as in work settings or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone prefers a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Plum switch with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice.
It's worth noting that without information on the actuation force of the Plum switch, it is difficult to determine if it is lighter or heavier than the Box Jade in terms of actuation force. However, based on the provided information about the bottom out force, we can conclude that the Plum switch is heavier in that regard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches will provide a consistent and satisfying key press experience with a similar amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Box Jade clicky switch or the Plum tactile switch, you can expect a comfortable and precise typing experience with their equal travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25.
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. When pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This switch also offers an accented and invigorating feel, providing a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The prominent feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and snappy and reactive feel make typing with the Box Jade switch an immersive and engaging experience.
On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a more neutral sound profile. It doesn't have a high-pitched or crunchy sound like the Box Jade. Instead, it offers a moderate sound profile that is enjoyable and suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. However, specific details about the sound characteristics of the Plum switch are unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Box Jade switch provides an accented and invigorating typing experience. The tactile feedback is prominent, and the actuation force is moderate to firm. This switch offers a satisfying and reactive feel, making each keystroke feel immersive. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a more mild and approachable typing experience. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Plum switch has a stepped feel, meaning you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the subtle tactility.
In summary, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is characterized by its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, as well as its accented and invigorating feel. It provides a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, with unknown specific characteristics, and offers a more mild and stepped feel. Both switches have their unique qualities, and while they differ in sound and feel, they offer similar levels of satisfaction and suitability for different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and notable tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the best choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a satisfying balance of weightiness without being too heavy. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps while typing make for an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more neutral sound profile and a moderate actuation force, the Kailh Plum tactile switches would be the better option. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a unique and hefty feel without a significant tactile bump. The sound profile is described as neutral and enjoyable, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both offer a quality typing experience in their own distinct ways.
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