Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box Jade and KTT Semi Mute are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences to suit different preferences. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Box Jades are the perfect choice for you. These switches feature crisp clicks and a crunchy tactile bump, providing an invigorating and accentuated typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute switches are tailor-made for you. Despite their silent operation, these switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel with their linear actuation and advanced dampening technology. Both switches have their own distinctive characteristics, catering to different typing preferences. However, let's dove in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Semi Mute, there are similarities in terms of the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Jade and Semi Mute differ in materials. The Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a distinct typing experience. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
On the other hand, the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing material. This further enhances the switch's overall sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound when bottoming out the key.
In summary, while the Kailh Box Jade and KTT Semi Mute share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, they differ in the bottom housing materials. The Box Jade's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing in producing a sharp and crisp sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is clear that they both fall within the medium range. However, there are slight differences to consider. The Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams. This means that the Box Jade requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Jade has a higher force of 60 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 58 grams. This means that the Box Jade provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when pressed all the way down.
When it comes to weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it perfect for work or extended gaming sessions. In this case, the Semi Mute with its slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces may be more suitable. However, others prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. If this is the case, the Box Jade with its slightly higher forces would be a better choice.
Ultimately, both switches offer a similar medium feel, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch, it is important to consider personal typing preferences and the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4 mm travel distance. On the other hand, the Semi Mute has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Jade's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times, as shorter distances allow for quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Semi Mute may provide a sense of depth and satisfaction to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key. Both switches offer distinct experiences and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness versus a more robust keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 clicky switch is best known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is described as muted and neutral in terms of sound. These switches have a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The neutral sound profile makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you are using them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience. The tactile feedback is prominent, providing a satisfying amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. With a moderate to firm actuation force, these switches have a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is described as buttery and mild in terms of feel. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The typing experience with these switches is gentle and approachable, as they offer a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with an accented and invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute offers a muted and neutral sound with a buttery and mild typing feel. These switches cater to different preferences and use cases. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade is the ideal choice. However, if you value a noise-free environment with smooth and fluid keystrokes, especially during late-night typing sessions, the Semi Mute is the recommended option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them an enjoyable experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute switches are tailor-made for you. Despite being completely silent, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel with their linear actuation and advanced dampening technology.
In terms of sound, the Box Jade switches produce a high-pitched and crunchy sound, which some may prefer if they don't like rich and bassy sound profiles. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches offer a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. They have a more neutral sound profile, suitable for various situations and preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Box Jade switches provide an accented and invigorating typing sensation. Their medium tactile feedback and moderate actuation force create an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches offer a buttery and mild feel. Their smooth and fluid keystrokes make typing seamless and effortless, appealing to a wider range of users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switches and the KTT Semi Mute linear switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize a tactile and clicky typing experience or a silent and smooth one. Your decision should also take into account your preferred sound profile, whether you lean towards high-pitched and crunchy or muted and neutral. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns with your needs and preferences.
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