Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Kailh Box White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Box White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may want to consider the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Box White. The Box Mute Jade is best known for its crunchy feel and more subdued sound profile. With these switches, you'll experience a slight bump and a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky sound. On the other hand, the Box White offers maximum audio feedback, with a distinct "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility. Both switches are categorized as crunchy and polished, but the Box White is also high-pitched and resonant, while the Box Mute Jade is stiff and accented. 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
75g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Box White have similar housing materials in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by these switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Box Mute Jade or the Box White.
However, there is a notable difference between these switches in the material used for their bottom housing. The Box Mute Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Box White also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and higher sound absorption capabilities compared to harder plastics. This means that when typing on the Box Mute Jade, users can expect a duller and rounder sound, whereas the Box White will offer a similar experience with its softer and sound-absorbing nylon bottom housing.
It's important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom housing of these switches. When pressing down on the switches, users will experience the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel. The top housing, on the other hand, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, while the polycarbonate top housing may offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics, the different bottom housing materials of the Box Mute Jade and the Box White will contribute to a distinct typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, requiring a more substantial push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to activate the switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade again proves to be heavier with a force of 82 grams, while the Box White has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. So, the Box Mute Jade is overall the heavier switch compared to the Box White.
Considering the weight of the switches is important for different user preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Box White switch, as it requires lesser force, enabling them to type for longer periods comfortably. This is ideal for scenarios like bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals seek a more substantial typing experience, desiring a stronger push feel. For them, the Box Mute Jade switch's heavier actuation and bottom out force would provide the desired satisfaction. It is worth mentioning that while the forces differ, both switches are clicky switches from Kailh, so regardless of the specific forces, users can expect similar results in terms of audible click and tactile feedback during typing.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 3.6 mm from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of a switch is important as it determines how far you need to press a key for it to register. With both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Box White, you can expect a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback, making them suitable options for those who prefer a clicky typing experience.
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 White comes in at $2.76.
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 Mute Jade clicky switch offers a more subdued experience compared to the Kailh Box White clicky switch. The Box Mute Jade produces a quieter clicky sound but still retains the unmistakable clickiness that clicky switches are known for. It can be likened to the sound of stepping on crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Box White switch provides maximum audio feedback with a higher-pitched and clean sound profile. It gives a sharp and crisp click sound, similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Both switches offer a distinct clicky sound, but the Box Mute Jade has a more subdued profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Box Mute Jade is described as having an accented tactility. This means that it provides a noticeable level of tactile feedback without being overwhelming or too subtle. It falls into the category of a "medium tactile" switch, offering a prominent amount of tactility. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switch is also characterized as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This means that you need to apply more force when pressing the keys with these switches. Lastly, the Box Mute Jade switch is described as being polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Box White switch is also described as being polished, offering a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, both switches share the same characteristic of being polished, providing a similar feel when typing.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch have their distinct qualities. The Box Mute Jade offers a more subdued sound profile with a slight bump in feel, providing a medium tactile experience and a crunchy sound when typing. It also requires more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Box White switch produces a resonant, high-pitched sound profile with an accented tactility. It offers the same polished feel as the Box Mute Jade, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for sound, feel, and force required, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a more subdued sound profile and enjoy the feeling of a slightly heavier switch, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the perfect choice for you. It offers a crunchy feel with a quieter clicky sound signature, making it ideal for those who want a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, if you desire maximum audio feedback and appreciate a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be more suitable. It provides a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and offers an accented tactility when typing. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. In the end, whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from Kailh's Box series switches.
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