Kailh Box Jade vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two prominent options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Box Jade is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. Its high-pitched and invigorating nature, accompanied by the crunchy tactile bumps, make typing on it a delight. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a medium tactile feel, providing a precise and comfortable typing experience. These switches are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making them an ideal choice for office or shared living spaces. While the Box Jade caters to those who appreciate a louder and more invigorating typing experience, the Silent Bluish White suits those who prefer a buttery and subtle tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
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
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
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 Kailh Box Jade and TTC Silent Bluish White switches have similar housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission. Additionally, polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile in both switches.
However, when it comes to their bottom housing materials, the switches differ. The Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Bluish White also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both switches offer this characteristic through their nylon bottom housings.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials plays a role. While the differences in top and bottom housings may have varying impacts on the sound and feel, both switches benefit from the qualities brought by each material. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller sound due to the nylon material. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key and contributes to the overall sharpness and clarity of the sound profile through the polycarbonate material. Therefore, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials, albeit with slight variations in sound depending on the specific housing utilized in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Bluish White requires a lighter 42 grams of force to initiate a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Jade has a heavier force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 50 grams.
These variances in force can have an impact on the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Bluish White switch would be more suitable. This lighter actuation force makes it easier to initiate keystrokes, potentially leading to increased typing speed and reduced fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Jade switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and satisfying feel.
Considering weight is essential as it directly affects the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Silent Bluish White, benefiting from extended typing periods without strain. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience might find the Box Jade to be a better fit. Nonetheless, both options offer unique characteristics, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more prevalent in recent times, especially for gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two switches depends on individual preference. If you prefer a switch with a slightly shorter travel distance, the Silent Bluish White would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a bit more depth and a slightly longer travel distance, the Box Jade would be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness and depth while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 clicky switch is best known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crunchy autumn leaves. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is designed to be as quiet as possible. It is described as producing a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it an ideal choice for office or shared living spaces where minimal noise is desired. While the exact sound produced also depends on factors like the keyboard board and keycaps, the Silent Bluish White switches aim to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback. It falls under the category of accented switches, providing a medium tactile feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch has a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive feel while typing.
In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. The keystrokes are smooth and fluid, providing a seamless and effortless sensation. These switches are described as being in a safe middle-ground zone, with a gentle resistance that appeals to most users. The stepped characteristic of the switch adds a subtle pre-travel and/or post-travel feel, giving it a more mild tactile sensation.
Based on the information provided, it is clear that the Box Jade and the Silent Bluish White switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade switch provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with an invigorating typing feel. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White switch offers a muted sound and a buttery, mild typing experience. Whether to choose one over the other depends on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you want a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. They have a higher-pitched sound profile and produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a precise and comfortable typing experience with a quieter sound, the TTC Silent Bluish White switches are the better option. They offer a medium tactile feel with a satisfying level of resistance. Despite their medium tactility, these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. They have a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switches and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switches depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics and provide a different typing experience. Consider your environment and personal preferences when making your decision.
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