Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Bsun Pine
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Bsun Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Bsun Pine offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch without the loud noise. In contrast, the Bsun Pine is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, offering direct and no-nonsense tactility for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Bsun Pine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which enhance the sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile of the switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches have similar top housings, the Kailh Box Mute Jade stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This split housing design allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
On the other hand, the Bsun Pine features a nylon bottom housing, similar to the Kailh Box Mute Jade, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing helps absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite both switches sharing the same bottom housing material, the differentiation in their top housings offers unique characteristics to each switch. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Kailh Box Mute Jade contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Bsun Pine's polycarbonate top housing provides a similar effect, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Bsun Pine play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, allowing for a sharp and clear sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of each switch creates a deeper and fuller sound, offering a different typing experience. The split housing design of these switches allows for a unique combination of qualities from both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a well-rounded sound profile that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Mute Jade is heavier in both aspects. The Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, whereas the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Pine offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with options based on their individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, the Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Pine has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Pine for faster reactions during gameplay. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Mute Jade. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy and subdued clicky sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the BSUN Pine's sound profile is not specified, but it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by external factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Box Mute Jade and the Pine switches are described as accented in terms of tactile feedback. The Box Mute Jade is further characterized as stiff and polished, offering a medium amount of tactility with smooth key travel. In contrast, the Pine switch is noted for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a firm actuation force and distinct tactile bump with every keypress. Additionally, the Pine switch is described as snappy, ensuring a responsive typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the BSUN Pine tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy clicky sound and accented, stiff feel with a polished finish, the BSUN Pine offers a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a snappy response. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback. However, both switches promise a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a clicky switch with a subdued sound profile, the Box Mute Jade is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium-heavy bottom out force, a sharp and quick tactile bump, and a direct, no-nonsense tactility, the Bsun Pine switch may be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in typing experience.