Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and KTT Purple Star offer two distinct typing experiences for users. The Box Jade is a clicky switch that provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile bumps, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfyingly audible and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its all-POM construction, making it ideal for light typists looking for ease and comfort. While the Box Jade offers invigorating high-pitched clicks and crunchy tactility, the Purple Star provides a mild, low-pitched typing experience that's easy to press. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Purple Star, we see that they both offer unique characteristics to enhance the overall typing experience. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Purple Star uses a POM top housing, offering a deeper and more muted sound. However, both materials contribute to creating a satisfying typing sound, with the Box Jade emphasizing clarity and resonance, while the Purple Star focuses on a fuller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box Jade utilizes a nylon material which produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. While the materials may differ, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a rich sound profile that is enjoyable to the user.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Purple Star play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, the Purple Star's POM top housing provides a deeper and muted sound. Similarly, both switches feature bottom housings that contribute to a fuller sound experience, with the Box Jade using nylon for a deeper sound profile, and the Purple Star using POM for a similar effect. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their unique housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that the Box Jade is the heavier option. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Box Jade requires more force to register a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Purple Star. This difference in weight can impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Purple Star for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push and feel may opt for the Box Jade for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Box Jade slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Purple Star. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, some users may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Jade offers a more satisfying key press experience with a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is characterized by a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, producing sharp and crisp clicks with each keystroke. This can be compared to the low-pitched sound signature of the KTT Purple Star linear switch, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Box Jade providing a more attention-grabbing and clicky sound, while the Purple Star offers a smoother and more subtle typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that is not too overwhelming. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch is described as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. The Box Jade switch would be suitable for those who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing feel, while the Purple Star switch would cater to users looking for a smoother and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box Jade switch provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with accented and invigorating tactile feedback, ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch offers a low-pitched sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel, suited for users looking for a smoother and gentler typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you will get similar results based on your specific needs and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile bumps, the Kailh Box Jade switch is the way to go. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile feedback make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light touch, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be more suitable for you. With its light bottom-out force and neutral sound profile, it offers ease and comfort for light typists. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for typing feel and sound profile. Consider what type of typing experience you prefer and choose accordingly.
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