Kailh Box Jade vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade and the TTC Silent Red. The Box Jade is well-known for providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility. It offers crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, giving a sense of invigorating feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is perfect for those who prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces. They deliver a consistent feel from top to bottom with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to specific preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 the TTC Silent Red both share a polycarbonate top housing material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing is advantageous for individuals planning to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when comparing these two switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing material of the Box Jade and Silent Red differs, with the Box Jade featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Silent Red utilizing a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red's polycarbonate bottom housing may provide a slightly different audible experience, as polycarbonate is stiffer and may not absorb sound to the same extent as nylon. Therefore, the difference in bottom housing materials may lead to variations in the sound produced when bottoming out the keys.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings of a switch play separate roles in determining the overall sound and feel. In the case of the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Silent Red, the qualities of the bottom housing primarily influence the sound and feel during a key's bottom-out stage. As the bottom housing is made of nylon in the Box Jade and polycarbonate in the Silent Red, users may notice variations in the impact and depth of the sound when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the top housing material has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, individuals selecting between these two switches can consider their preferred sound profile during both keystrokes and key releases.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force of the Box Jade is 50 grams, while the Silent Red requires a lighter force of 45 grams for actuation. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams, whereas the Silent Red is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams. This means that the Silent Red switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, with a lighter actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, the Box Jade switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force. It is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced feel for most users. Therefore, if someone is seeking a similar result, they could choose either switch option as both offer a medium typing experience, with the Silent Red being slightly lighter and the Box Jade being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a typical travel distance, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer switches with a bit more depth. If you enjoy a more substantial key press, the Silent Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, allowing for comfortable and satisfying typing experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch is best described as high-pitched and crunchy. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, perfect for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. The crunchiness of the Box Jades, commonly associated with clicky switches, creates a satisfying clicking noise reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch has a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making them an excellent choice for environments such as offices or shared living spaces where minimizing noise is important. However, it is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is best described as accented and invigorating. The tactile feedback provided by these switches is prominent yet not overwhelming, creating a medium-tactile experience that is neither too subtle nor too scratchy. Typing on Box Jades offers a snappy and reactive feel, immersing the user in an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch has a buttery, mild, and polished feel. The keystroke experience with Silent Reds is smooth and fluid, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. With their gentle characteristics, these switches provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users. The polished finish of the Silent Red switch, whether achieved through materials or factory lubing, ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade and TTC Silent Red switches offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Box Jade switch provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and an accented, invigorating feel. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps of the Box Jades contribute to a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile. The buttery, mild, and polished feel of the Silent Reds ensures a comfortable and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If a clicky switch with a medium-heavy typing experience is desired, the Box Jades are the ideal choice. However, if a quiet and smooth typing experience is preferred, the Silent Reds are the perfect option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and strong tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are an excellent choice for you. These switches provide crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, making each keystroke satisfying and invigorating. They also have a high-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound.
On the other hand, if you desire a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red switches are the perfect option. These switches offer a muted sound profile, ideal for office or shared living space use. The Silent Reds provide a buttery, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable and quiet typing experience. The consistent and padded bottom-out feel adds to the overall comfort of using these switches.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a clicky and tactile experience, opt for the Kailh Box Jade switches. Conversely, if you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience, the TTC Silent Red switches are the way to go.
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