Kailh Box Jade vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the Durock White Lotus, a tactile switch. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfyingly clicky sound profile and distinct tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a joyous experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches offer a more delicate tactility, striking the perfect balance for discerning typists. These switches are easy to press, emit a low-pitched sound, and provide a mild and neutral tactile feedback. An additional benefit of the White Lotus switches is their removable light column, which allows for vibrant and captivating RGB lighting effects. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Durock White Lotus switches differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profile. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. Its translucency makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile, the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing gives it a higher-pitched tone compared to the White Lotus.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Box Jade and White Lotus employ a nylon material. Nylon is characterized as a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This attribute is shared by both switches, highlighting their similarities in terms of sound experience. Whether it is the Box Jade or the White Lotus, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will produce a duller and rounder sound due to the sound absorption capabilities of nylon.
It is important to note that each housing material plays a distinct role in contributing to the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences in materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing or the unique premium feel of the White Lotus' modified PC and UPE blend top housing, both switches provide an enjoyable tactile and audible feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, a notable difference can be observed. The Box Jade switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both falling into the medium range. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch has a slightly lower actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, placing it in the medium-light category.
The significance of weight in switch selection should be considered based on individual preferences and requirements. Those who prefer a lighter switch might opt for the White Lotus as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is ideal for use in work situations or during extensive gaming sessions. In contrast, users seeking a stronger and more substantial typing experience may prefer the Box Jade switch due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Despite their variations in force requirements, it is important to note that both switches fall within a similar range, ensuring that users can achieve comparable results in terms of typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the White Lotus is more in line with the traditional distance, whereas the 3.6mm of the Box Jade is slightly shorter. Gamers, who value quicker response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade switch. This allows for faster key presses and potentially improved gaming performance. However, for those who prefer a more pronounced and deeper keystroke, the 4 mm travel distance of the White Lotus may be more suitable. It's important to consider personal preferences and comfort levels when comparing these switches as the shorter distance of the Box Jade may feel more abrupt to some users. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for key response and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 and crisp clicks produced by these switches resemble the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched switches provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which is less rich and bassy compared to higher-pitched switches. The neutral sound profile of the White Lotus makes it suitable for a variety of purposes and environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience. The medium tactile feedback of these switches provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. They offer a snappy and reactive feel with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. These switches have a light actuation force, requiring minimal force to activate. They offer gentle resistance during key presses, making typing effortless and comfortable. The typing feel of the White Lotus switches is approachable to most typists, as they provide a low-impact and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the White Lotus also offers a subtle switch option, which has a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. These features make it suitable for shared spaces, as the sound signature will not be resonant.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Box Jade and Durock White Lotus switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound with an accented and invigorating feel, giving a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with options for both easy-to-press and subtle switches, providing a delicate and light tactile typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing needs. If you prefer the clicky sound and medium-heavy tactile feel, the Box Jade is the ideal choice. If you prefer a light tactile experience without overwhelming the user, the White Lotus switches will provide a tranquil typing experience. Overall, both switches are excellent options depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and strong tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. With their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, they provide an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile option that strikes a balance between tactility and ease of typing, the Durock White Lotus switches are ideal. These switches offer a delicate tactility, making them suitable for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, they feature a removable light column for vibrant RGB lighting effects. With their easy-to-press nature, the White Lotus switches reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Overall, both switches have their unique advantages based on your preferences and requirements.
Mentioned in this article
