Kailh Box Jade vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Swift offer distinct typing experiences worth considering. The Box Jades are ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing feel with a clicky sound and pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Swifts provide a smoother, quieter typing experience with a lighter actuation force. While the Box Jades offer a high-pitched and invigorating typing experience, the Swifts have a deeper sound profile and feel more creamy and bouncy. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
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
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the HMX Swift, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housings. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. While the specific design of each switch may differ slightly, the overall typing experience in terms of sound and feel will be quite similar due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
In contrast, the top housing materials of the Box Jade and the Swift differ, with the Box Jade featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Swift featuring a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Swift produces a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience and may cater to different preferences in terms of sound aesthetics.
It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel differently depending on which part of the switch is being pressed. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released. This means that even in switches with different top and bottom housing materials, such as the Box Jade and the Swift, the overall typing experience will be a combination of the qualities brought by each housing material.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch both play a role in determining the typing experience. The Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Swift's 42 grams, making it a bit more resistant to accidental key presses. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Jade requires 60 grams of force while the Swift only requires 50 grams, making the Swift lighter for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. The Box Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with higher force requirements, while the Swift offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prefer quicker response times. Gamers may lean towards the Box Jade for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses. On the other hand, the Swift switch provides a bit more depth in each key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 clicky switch is best described as having a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, making each keypress sharp and crisp with a satisfying click and tactile bump. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound that is brighter and more percussive, thanks to its full nylon housing. While the Box Jade offers a more traditional clicky sound experience, the Swift provides a smoother and deeper sound profile that can be attributed to its unique construction. Both switches offer distinct auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences for sound profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is noted for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump that is both satisfying and responsive. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery feel with a light actuation force of 42g, making typing effortless and comfortable, ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Swift switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that enhances the overall typing sensation. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences for key feel, with the Box Jade offering a more tactile and invigorating experience, while the Swift provides a smooth and effortless typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade excels in providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, along with accented and invigorating tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Swift switch stands out for its deeper and smoother sound profile, easy-to-press and feathery feel, and bouncy and creamy typing experience. Whether you prefer a traditional clicky switch with sharp tactile feedback or a smooth linear switch with light actuation force, both switches offer unique characteristics that can elevate your typing experience based on your personal preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Box Jade and Swift switches will come down to your desired sound and feel profile for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crisp tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the way to go. Their loud clicks and crunchy bumps will provide an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth and silky typing experience, the HMX Swift linear switches are a great choice. With a lighter actuation force and a deeper sound profile, the Swift switches offer a feathery and bouncy feel that is easy on the fingers. Ultimately, your choice between the Box Jade and the Swift switch will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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