Kailh Box Jade vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box Jade and Everglide Tourmaline Blue are both mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Box Jade is known for its medium-heavy typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. It features a lengthened single-stage spring that gives each keystroke a bouncy feel. While the Box Jade is categorized as high-pitched, accented, invigorating, and crunchy, the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Both switches strike a balance between offering an enjoyable typing experience and being accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches share similar housing materials, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and visual effects when using either switch.
However, the differences emerge when examining the bottom housing material. The Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on the Box Jade, which uses nylon, generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. As the Box Jade utilizes nylon as its bottom housing material, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on keys. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing will create a more resonant and clear bottom-out sound.
On the other hand, the top housing of the switch plays a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. Since both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, the sound when letting go of a key will be similar. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory experience.
In summary, while the Kailh Box Jade and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches share similarities with their polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Box Jade's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing yields a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct auditory experiences when pressing down on keys, but offer similar sound effects when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Jade switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, which means it requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Tourmaline Blue's actuation force of 59 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, but the Tourmaline Blue is slightly heavier. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue is medium-heavy, whereas the Box Jade remains medium. Therefore, while the Box Jade offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Tourmaline Blue, both switches provide a similar experience and are suitable for those seeking a medium keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have contrasting travel distances. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feeling. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Jade is slightly shorter, which can be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker activation and a more responsive feel. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shallower and more responsive experience or a deeper and more substantial keystroke feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. The sharp, crisp clicks produced by these switches are reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch provides a more neutral sound experience. With a moderate actuation force requirement, these switches offer a satisfying thocky sound that is suitable for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating. These switches offer a medium tactile experience with prominent feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This creates an immersive typing sensation that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch provides a buttery and easy-to-press feel. With a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, these switches offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The light actuation force required for these switches also enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch falls under the category of mild switches, offering a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In summary, the Kailh Box Jade switch provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a high-pitched, crunchy sound profile and an accented, invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a satisfying, deeper thocky sound and a buttery, easy-to-press feel with mild characteristics. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a crisp and tactile typing experience with sharper clicks, the Box Jade is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a more neutral sound and a smoother keystroke experience with minimal resistance, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and strong tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the perfect choice for you. These switches offer crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, providing a satisfying and immersive typing experience. They have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls in the medium range.
On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and a moderate spring weight, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches would be more suitable for you. These switches offer a balanced typing experience, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, they fall in the medium-heavy range.
In terms of sound, the Box Jade switches produce a high-pitched and crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue switches have a neutral sound profile, which is moderate and suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade switches offer an accented and invigorating typing experience, with a prominent amount of tactility and a snappy, reactive feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches provide a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with gentle resistance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches depends on your personal preferences. Both switches have their unique strengths and characteristics, so consider the typing experience, sound profile, and feel that align with your preferences. Whether you prioritize clicky sound and strong tactility or a deep thocky sound and accessible typing experience, you can make an informed decision based on the information provided.
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