Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron CJ
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with a distinct tactile experience, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron CJ are worth considering. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying crunch and a more subdued sound profile compared to traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the CJ is a linear switch that delivers a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. The Box Mute Jade is categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished', while the CJ falls under the categories of 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky'. Both switches have their own distinctive qualities, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the optimal 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron CJ differ in a few key ways. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for the switch to have a clear housing, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the CJ has a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, without being overly sharp. This unique blend creates a satisfying "clacky" sound profile.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the CJ employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which contributes to an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted compared to the Box Mute Jade.
While the two switches have their differences, they also share some similarities. Both switches prioritize the sound profile and aim to provide an exceptional typing experience. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing or the satisfying "clacky" sound produced by the CJ's proprietary INK blend, users can expect a distinct and enjoyable auditory experience with both switches. Furthermore, the use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for different sound impacts when pressing down and releasing a key - something that can enhance the overall typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the CJ's lighter 50 grams. This means that the Box Mute Jade requires more force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is heavier at 82 grams, while the CJ has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, the CJ offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer periods of typing or extended gaming sessions. Despite their contrasting forces, both switches provide satisfying results based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron CJ linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Mute Jade offers a shorter travel distance, making it more preferable for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides a longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 switch provides a more subdued clicky sound profile while still maintaining the unmistakable clicky characteristic. It is described as "crunchy," creating a sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ switch offers a higher-pitched clack sound, described as "chirpy," which adds a unique acoustic signature to these switches. Additionally, the CJ switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate sound level suitable for various purposes. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch offers an accented tactile experience. It provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, resulting in a typing experience that is not too tactile but still noticeable. Additionally, the switch is also described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and/or bottom out compared to other switches. This means that more force needs to be applied when pressing the keys with these switches. The Gateron CJ switch, on the other hand, provides a mild typing experience. It offers a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users.
Based on the available information, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and Gateron CJ linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade switch provides a more subdued clicky sound profile, while the CJ switch offers a higher-pitched clack sound with a chirpy characteristic. In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade switch offers an accented tactile experience with a stiffer feel, while the CJ switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as both offer unique qualities. If you are looking for a similar sound or feel to one of these switches, it is recommended to explore other switches with similar descriptors to achieve comparable results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the satisfying and pronounced click sound of a switch but prefer a quieter typing experience, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, it provides a solid and accentuated tactile feel. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade is known for its accented and polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and approachable typing experience with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Gateron CJ linear switch would be a great option. The CJ offers a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. It provides a mild and safe middle-ground zone in terms of both sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch depends on your preferences for sound and feel. Consider whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a satisfying click or a gentle and approachable typing experience. By understanding your preferences, you can select the switch that will enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
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