Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow 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 V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Box Mute Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a smooth and stable keystroke with minimal resistance, making it perfect for those who prioritize a buttery and thocky typing feel. 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
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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, we see that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a similar deep and fuller sound profile due to the nature of nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. However, the Box Mute Jade stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials results in a unique typing experience between the two switches.
While both the Box Mute Jade and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow share a nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials set them apart. The Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a sharper and crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon top housing offers a deeper and rounder sound profile, catering to those who enjoy a fuller sound while typing. This difference in top housing materials results in distinct auditory sensations when using these switches.
In understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance, we can see how the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the top housing has a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. With the Box Mute Jade's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, users can experience a blend of sharpness and depth in their typing. In contrast, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a consistent deep and fuller sound profile throughout due to its nylon top and bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials can significantly affect the sound and feel of mechanical switches, catering to different preferences among users.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is heavier in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch. The Box Mute Jade requires 75 grams of force to actuate and 82 grams to bottom out, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow only needs 50 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. This makes the Box Mute Jade switch more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is lighter, making it ideal for users who want to type for extended periods without fatigue. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users with varying preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, making it shorter than the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch with a travel distance of 4mm. The shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer more depth. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their unique travel distances, and choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for key press feel and response time.
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 Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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 clicky switch offers a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, providing a tactile auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch offers a thocky, bassy, and low-pitched sound that produces a deep and rich tone during key presses, giving a satisfying and smooth typing acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch is characterized by an accented, stiff, and polished typing experience, combining medium tactile feedback with a smooth finish for refined key travel. Meanwhile, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is described as buttery, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation that ensures uniform typing comfort.
Considering both the sound and feel qualities of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, they provide distinct experiences catered to different preferences. If you enjoy a crunchy feel with subdued sound, the Box Mute Jade is a suitable choice, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow offers a smooth, tactile feel with deep and rich sound characteristics. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a heavy bottom out force and a quieter sound profile, the Box Mute Jade would be the ideal choice for you. The crunchy feel and subdued clicky sound signature make it a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and innovative design features for enhanced stability and typing feel, then the CAP V2 Milky Yellow would be more suitable for you. The smooth keystrokes and reduced wobble provide a buttery typing sensation that you may find enjoyable. Consider your desired sound profile, tactile feedback, and typing style when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.