Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Box Jade is a clicky switch, known for its medium-heavy typing experience and satisfying clicky sound profile. Typists who enjoy a crisp and tactile typing experience will appreciate the Box Jades' crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a linear switch that offers a silenced version of the Ink Black switch. It is perfect for environments where quieter typing is necessary. With its cushiony and pillow-like bottom-out feel, it provides minimal audio feedback. While these general characteristics give you a glimpse into what each switch has to offer, let's dive deeper to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. While both materials offer a satisfying sound, the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to be used for RGB lighting due to its translucent nature.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Box Jade utilizes a nylon material that brings a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black also utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing. This contributes to a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile as the top housing, maintaining consistency in the overall sound experience.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings are divided in these switches. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing work together to create a dynamic sound experience, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top and bottom housings maintain a consistent sound profile throughout the typing process.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, meaning it requires less pressure to register a keystroke, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade has a 10-gram difference between actuation and bottom out, with a bottom out force of 60 grams. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black has a 10-gram difference as well, but with a higher bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black requires more force to fully press down the key compared to the Box Jade.
Considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Jade as it allows for comfortable typing for longer periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier forces of the Silent Ink Black. By choosing this option, they can have a more tactile and responsive typing experience. Despite the variations in force required, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing similar results to those who prefer switches with a bit more weight.
Travel distance
In terms of travel distance, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a shorter distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black is more in line with the traditional standard, offering a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Jade is more suitable for gamers or those seeking quicker response times. However, it's important to note that personal preference plays a significant role here. Some users may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt, while others may prefer the responsiveness it offers. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize a deeper and more satisfying keystroke or a quicker, more nimble typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. The high-pitched sound produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, perfect for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. The crunchy sound, commonly associated with clicky switches, mimics the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted sound. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it an excellent choice for environments that require quieter typing. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is essential to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch provides an accented and invigorating typing experience. The accented switch offers medium tactility, providing a prominent amount of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This level of tactility ensures a satisfying typing experience without being too tactile. The invigorating switch also contributes to an immersive typing sensation by offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.
On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished feel. A silky switch refers to one that enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This switch ensures exceptionally smooth typing, making it a pleasure to use. The polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be achieved through the use of high-quality materials or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch 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 typing experience. It is suitable for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a muted sound along with a silky and polished feel. It is ideal for environments that require quieter typing and provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the switch that best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. You'll enjoy the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps when typing on them. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are the way to go. These switches offer a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making them ideal for environments that necessitate quieter typing. The Box Jade switches have a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black switches produce a muted and softer sound. In terms of feel, the Box Jade switches are accented and invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and an immersive typing sensation. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black switches are silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.
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