Kailh Box Jade vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Box Jades are known for their medium-heavy typing experience, with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a joy. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. Their medium-weight makes them suitable for a wide range of users. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Sunset Yellow have different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box Jade has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, enhances the transparency of the housing, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing, giving it a deeper and more muted sound profile. POM housings offer a unique sound experience that is pleasing to the ears. While both switches have different sound profiles, they both provide a satisfying typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box Jade utilizes a nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the contrary, the Sunset Yellow features a POM bottom housing, which also produces a deep sound. Both switches share this characteristic, with the POM material creating a more muted sound. The housing material for the bottom part of the switch impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, offering a different tactile experience when compared to the top housing.
While the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ, they both bring their own unique qualities to the typing experience. The chosen top housing material affects the sound when you release a key, while the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound profile, making it suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound that is satisfying to the ears. Similarly, both switches' bottom housings deliver a rich and deep sound, albeit with different levels of roundness. In conclusion, these switches may produce distinct sound profiles, but they both offer an enjoyable and fulfilling typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium weight category. However, there are slight differences in their specific force measurements.
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that 50 grams of force is required to trigger a keystroke. In comparison, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Sunset Yellow switch requires less force to activate, providing a more sensitive and responsive typing experience.
When it comes to bottom out force, which measures the force required to press all the way down, the Kailh Box Jade switch has a slightly heavier force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, which is slightly lighter.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals with a preference for lighter switches may lean towards the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch. The lighter actuation force allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may opt for the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
In summary, although both switches fall within the medium weight category, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch. The weight preference will ultimately determine the choice for users, with the lighter Everglide switch catering to extended typing sessions, while the heavier Kailh switch provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we can observe that the Box Jade has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances due to the faster response times they offer. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Sunset Yellow with its 3.2 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keystroke may find the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Jade more to their liking, as it provides a greater sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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 high-pitched and crunchy clicks. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound resembling stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. The sound is deeper and richer, with a lower frequency range reminiscent of the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It can be likened to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating. It provides a medium-tactile experience with prominent tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This switch offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. This switch is smooth and buttery, with lubricant applied at the factory contributing to its silky sensation. It minimizes resistance or friction when pressing the keys, offering fluid and effortless key travel. The polished finish further enhances the smoothness and refined feel of this switch.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy click sound with an accented and invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a bassy and thocky sound with a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing feel. The choice between these switches would ultimately depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience. If a user prefers a medium-heavy typing experience with a sharp and crisp click sound, as well as crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if a user prefers a rich, bassy sound with a smooth and effortless typing feel, the Sunset Yellow switch would be more appropriate. It is important to consider factors such as the user's typing style, preferences, and the overall keyboard setup when selecting the ideal switch for a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer crisp and satisfying clicks, along with crunchy tactile bumps that enhance your typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, the Box Jade switches will be a great fit.
On the other hand, if you want a medium-weight switch that provides a decadent and indulgent typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches are the way to go. These switches have a captivating sound profile, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and bassy tone. The combination of POM stem and proprietary factory lube method results in a distinct gliding feel, while the shorter travel and longer-pole stem contribute to a sharp and highly responsive typing experience. If you enjoy a bassy and thocky sound, the Sunset Yellow switches will meet your preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches depends on your specific preferences. Consider whether you prioritize a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactility (Box Jade), or a medium-weight switch with an indulgent sound profile and distinct gliding feel (Sunset Yellow). Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing satisfaction.
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