Kailh Box Jade vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade and Jerrzi Violet offer unique experiences for users. The Box Jades are ideal for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violets are known for their gentle tactility and smooth actuation, offering a more balanced and neutral typing experience. While the Box Jades excel in providing an invigorating and accentuated typing experience, the Violets focus on a softer and more subtle tactility. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Jade and Jerrzi Violet switches feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, higher-pitched, and clear sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these switches results in a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a crisper typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through. Despite having the same top housing material, the switches may still offer slightly different nuances in sound depending on other factors such as spring weight or stem design.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Box Jade and Jerrzi Violet switches utilize nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience compared to harder plastics. This material choice adds a unique touch to the overall sound and feel of the switches, creating a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for users. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, slight variations in design or construction may still lead to subtle differences in sound and feel between the two.
The division of housing materials in the Box Jade and Jerrzi Violet switches allows for a balanced combination of qualities in both the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is complemented by the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key, providing a well-rounded typing experience. Whether it's the crisper sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing or the deeper sound produced by the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a unique blend of qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards. Overall, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either the Kailh Box Jade or Jerrzi Violet switches, thanks to their thoughtful selection of housing materials.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch at 45 grams, making the Box Jade feel a bit heavier when initiating a keystroke. Both switches have medium actuation forces, which means they require a moderate amount of pressure to register a key press. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. The slightly higher bottom out force of the Box Jade may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. Overall, the Box Jade is on the heavier side compared to the Violet, which may suit those looking for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Box Jade is the shorter of the two switches. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box Jade being on the shallower end while the Violet is slightly deeper. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Jerrzi Violet. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a more neutral sound, suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. When it comes to feel, the Box Jade switch is characterized as accented and invigorating, providing a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming but still satisfyingly tactile. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a stepped tactile feel, giving users a two-stage sensation with mild tactility.
Overall, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile, the Kailh Box Jade switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are looking for a gentle tactile switch with a smooth actuation and a more neutral sound signature, the Jerrzi Violet switch could be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. With the information provided, you can expect to achieve different but equally satisfying typing experiences with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crisp tactile bumps, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with a smooth actuation and poppy tactility accompanied by a neutral sound signature, then the Jerrzi Violet switches will be more up your alley. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and make your decision accordingly.