Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a unique typing experience, you may want to consider the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Box Royal. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying crunch with a more subdued sound profile. It provides a slight bump when typing and produces a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a more pronounced and aggressive tactility, the Box Royal might be the ideal choice for you. It boasts a sharp and binary tactility, providing a truly distinctive typing experience. Although it has a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is sure to grab your attention while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your personal preference.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Box Royal lies in their top housing materials. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, adding a visual aesthetic element to the switch. On the other hand, the Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Box Mute Jade and the Box Royal employ a nylon material. This shared housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users of both switches can expect similar results in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
It is important to note that the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key compared to the bottom housing. In this case, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade will result in a sharper and crisper sound when letting go of a key. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Box Royal will produce a slightly deeper and fuller sound upon releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the sound produced during key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, there are clear differences between the two. The actuation force of the Box Mute Jade is 75 grams, while the Box Royal requires only 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Box Royal lighter, allowing for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. In contrast, the Box Mute Jade is heavier, requiring a stronger push to register a keystroke.
In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade is again heavier with a force of 82 grams compared to the Box Royal's 70 grams. This means that when typing on the Box Mute Jade, users will feel a more substantial and potentially more satisfying typing experience as they press all the way down on the keys. On the other hand, the Box Royal provides a slightly lighter bottom out force, offering a more moderate feel when fully pressing the keys.
Considering the weight of the switches, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Box Royal, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor. Alternatively, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Box Mute Jade, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces can provide a more tactile and pronounced typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired force required for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is the same at 3.6mm. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed down, with the Box Mute Jade producing a clicky sound while the Box Royal offers a tactile bump. While the travel distance may be identical, the switches offer different typing experiences due to their unique characteristics. Users can expect a similar overall feeling when using either switch, as they both have a travel distance of 3.6mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50, whereas the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25.
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 Mute Jade clicky switch is best known for providing a crunchier feel with a more subdued sound profile. When using these switches, there is a slight bump in the keypress that provides a medium amount of tactility. The sound produced is clicky, but quieter compared to other clicky switches. It can be likened to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp, binary tactility. If you prefer a nearly aggressive tactility, these switches are perfect for you. The sound profile is relatively higher pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
In terms of sound, the Box Mute Jade offers a crunchier sound, reminiscent of stepping on crisp leaves. This is associated with clicky switches and provides a more subdued sound experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal produces a higher-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp. If you prefer a sound profile that is not rich or bassy, the higher-pitched sound of the Box Royal might be more suited to your preference. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade offers an accented tactile experience. It has a medium level of tactility that is noticeable but not overwhelming. It can be described as not hypertactile or scratchy, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither subtle nor overpowering. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade is considered to be slightly stiff, requiring a bit more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. It also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the Box Royal is known for its sharp tactile bump. The feedback intensity is high, and the tactile bump can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The sharpness of the tactile feedback provides a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a strong and crisp tactility.
In conclusion, comparing the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, they offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy feel with a more subdued clicky sound, while the Box Royal offers a sharp and crisp higher-pitched sound with an aggressive tactility. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. However, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience and can be suitable options for users looking for either a quieter clicky experience or a highly tactile switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier switch with a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be your best choice. These switches offer a satisfying crunchiness and quieter clicky sound, creating a unique typing experience. Additionally, they provide a medium level of tactile feedback, which is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Box Mute Jade switches also have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, if you're looking for a highly tactile switch with a sharp and crisp bump, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is perfect for you. These switches offer a nearly aggressive level of tactility, allowing you to feel a distinct bump with each keypress. They have a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, which is great if you prefer a sharper and crisper typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your desired level of tactility, sound preference, and typing experience.
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