Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, you are presented with two distinct options catered to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch without the loud noise. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary boasts a smooth keystroke experience thanks to its innovative CAP structure designed for minimal resistance and enhanced smoothness. While these general descriptions provide a good starting point for decision-making, 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
50g
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
4.00 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
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron CAP Anniversary use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the material. While both switches share this top housing material, they may offer slight variations in sound due to other factors such as stem design or spring weight.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Kailh Box Mute Jade utilizes nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer properties, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. Similarly, the Gateron CAP Anniversary also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches emphasizes a focus on sound quality and a more cushioned typing experience.
Overall, while both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron CAP Anniversary share similarities in their housing materials, the slight differences in their design may lead to variations in sound and typing experience. The splitting of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches also means that each component contributes different qualities to the overall sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch with a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kailh Box Mute Jade requires 82 grams, making it heavier than the Gateron CAP Anniversary with 65 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Gateron switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier forces of the Kailh switch provide a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The slightly shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the CAP Anniversary may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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
Taking sound into consideration, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is known for its crunchy and subdued sound profile that offers a quieter but unmistakably clicky experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a smoother and potentially quieter sound due to its unique stem design with aerodynamic principles that reduce resistance and enhance smoothness. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Box Mute Jade is described as having an accented, stiff, and polished feel. This means that users can expect a medium tactile experience with a noticeable bump, requiring a higher actuation force and providing smooth key travel. Conversely, the CAP Anniversary switch is known for its snappy, creamy, and polished feel, offering a super responsive typing experience with a buttery smoothness that enhances keystrokes. Again, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and desired tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch offer distinctive subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy and subdued sound with an accented and stiff feel, the CAP Anniversary switch offers a smoother and potentially quieter sound with a snappy and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you prefer one quality over another but are open to experiment, you may find that both switches offer similar results in terms of overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a heavier, crunchy feel with a quieter clicky sound, the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and stable typing experience with a snappy feel, the CAP Anniversary is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and sound of the Box Mute Jade or the smoothness and responsiveness of the CAP Anniversary. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a more personalized and satisfying typing experience.
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