Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Brother mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two excellent options in the clicky switch category. The Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile, making it perfect for those who enjoy clicky switches but prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Brother stands out with its lightweight nature and breezy actuation, providing a tactile experience that is both satisfying and easy on the fingers. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and strengths, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
75g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Brother switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal of the keys. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade has a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Brother's polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the difference in their bottom housings will affect the overall sound experience. The Kailh Box Mute Jade's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a unique sound profile that balances sharpness with depth, while the TTC Brother's use of polycarbonate throughout may result in a slightly crisper sound overall. The tactile feedback and typing experience will also be influenced by the bottom housing material, with the softer nylon of the Box Mute Jade providing a different feel compared to the stiffer polycarbonate of the Brother.
In terms of design and performance, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Brother ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you value a sharper and clearer sound profile, the polycarbonate construction of both switches' top housings will deliver consistent results. However, if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade may be more to your liking. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of materials used in their housing construction, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a much heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the Brother's significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade requires 82 grams to bottom out, while the Brother's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier key press, whereas the Brother offers a lighter touch for a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch both offer a satisfying clicky feel, but they differ in their travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Brother's travel distance of 3.5 mm. While the .1 mm might seem minimal, it can make a noticeable difference in the overall feel of the switch. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Brother switch, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Mute Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Brother switches are described as offering a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This satisfying sound is a hallmark of clicky switches and is sure to please enthusiasts of auditory feedback. The specific sound you experience will also be influenced by the keyboard you use and the keycaps you pair with these switches.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches are noted for their accented, stiff, and polished qualities, providing a medium tactile experience with a smooth and refined keypress. On the other hand, the TTC Brother switches offer an easy-to-press and stepped feel, with gentle resistance and a two-stage tactile sensation for a comfortable typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a balanced tactile feedback without overwhelming the user, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, whether you choose the Kailh Box Mute Jade or TTC Brother switches, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel within the clicky switch category. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, the Box Mute Jade may be the ideal choice for you. The tactile bump and quieter clicky sound make it a unique option for those who enjoy clicky switches but want a slightly toned-down experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more pronounced tactile bump accompanied by a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother switch may be more up your alley. Its lightweight nature and distinctive tactile feedback offer a different typing experience that may suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you desire and which characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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