Kailh Box Jade vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch. If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, these two options offer distinct experiences to suit your preferences. The Box Jade is renowned for its medium-heavy typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility. With crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, typing on these switches can be an invigorating experience. On the other hand, we have the Wine Red switches. These intoxicating switches provide a pillowy light typing feel, creating a smooth and effortless typing experience. The deep and rich sound profile adds further satisfaction to every keystroke. While these general characteristics give a glimpse into the switches, let's dive in deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the KTT Wine Red, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a similar outcome for both switches, as polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, making it a useful material for those seeking a visually appealing switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Jade differs with its nylon material while the Wine Red sticks with polycarbonate. The Box Jade's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing, just like its top housing, helps create a sharper and more resonant sound.
When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and overall feel. The Box Jade's nylon bottom housing will provide a softer and potentially more cushioned experience, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing will offer a crisper and more rigid sensation. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing material of each switch.
In summary, while both switches feature polycarbonate top housing resulting in similar sound characteristics, their differing bottom housing materials bring distinct qualities. The Box Jade's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on the desired sound profile and personal preferences of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in weight to consider. The Box Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be classified as medium weight. On the other hand, the Wine Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in weight.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Wine Red switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for a smoother and potentially longer typing session, making it ideal for tasks such as bringing it to work or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Box Jade switch would be a better option. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a satisfying and deliberate keystroke.
It is worth mentioning that despite their differences in weight, individuals seeking similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces can still achieve them with both switches. While the Box Jade may provide a slightly heavier feel, the Wine Red switch offers a similar medium-weight range, ensuring a comparable typing experience for those who have a preference for a moderate key resistance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch comes down to personal preference. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, both options cater to different needs and guarantee a satisfying keystroke.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Wine Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Jade switch. The Wine Red switch's 4 mm distance falls into the more traditional range, offering a familiar and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Jade switch's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prioritize faster response times, like gamers. It provides a more responsive and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses, the Box Jade switch would be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Wine Red switch would be the preferable choice. Both switches offer their own advantages based on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. These switches produce crisp clicks and mimic the sound of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, giving a satisfying auditory experience to the user. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. With a deeper and richer tone, the Wine Red switches provide a more mellow sound compared to the higher-pitched switches. It should be noted that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an accented tactile experience. It falls into the category of a medium tactile switch, providing a notable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This switch gives a distinct feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive feel while typing. On the other hand, there is no information available about the specific feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switch.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and accented tactile feel. It offers a high-pitched, crispy sound and an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is described as having a pillowy light typing feel and a deep, rich sound profile. While the specific feel of the Wine Red switches is unknown, it can be inferred that they provide a smoother and possibly quieter typing experience compared to the Box Jades. Overall, depending on personal preferences, both switches have their own unique qualities to offer, ensuring a satisfying keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a satisfying medium weight when typing. We love the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps that the Box Jade switches offer, making each keystroke feel engaging and immersive. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, the Box Jade switches are an excellent choice.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red switches are a great option. With a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a pillowy light type feel when typing. The Wine Red switches offer a satisfyingly deep and bassy sound profile, adding an extra level of auditory enjoyment to your typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Box Jade and Wine Red switches depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and tactile feedback, go for the Box Jade switches. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red switches are the way to go. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to help guide your decision.
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