Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HC Studio Crabapple. The Box Mute Jade is known for its clicky feel with a more subdued sound profile, offering a crunchy tactile experience that is polished and stiff. On the other hand, the Crabapple switch is crafted from POM, providing a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a mild and understated sound profile that is textured and subdued. If you prefer a clicky switch with a quieter sound, the Box Mute Jade may be the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, if you value a smooth typing experience with a subtle texture and mild sound, the HC Studio Crabapple switch could be the perfect fit. 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
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HC Studio Crabapple provide different sound profiles due to their composition. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the POM top housing of the Crabapple produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly affect the typing experience for users who prefer a certain auditory response from their keyboards.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon material that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition. Meanwhile, the Crabapple features a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a similar sound experience with their bottom housings, showcasing the importance of housing materials in achieving the desired typing sound.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a keyboard switch can significantly impact the typing experience, especially in terms of sound profile. While the Box Mute Jade and Crabapple switches may have different top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique and pleasing typing sound for users. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade or the deeper-sounding POM top housing of the Crabapple, each switch offers a distinct auditory experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing feel and sound of a keyboard switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch differ significantly. The Box Mute Jade has a much heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Crabapple switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, allowing for a smoother and quicker keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Crabapple switch, while users who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Box Mute Jade. The weight of a switch is crucial as it impacts typing comfort and endurance during long usage periods. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance may result in a similar typing experience in terms of key feel and feedback for both switches. Overall, the travel distance for both switches is the same, providing consistent performance for users who prefer either the clicky feel of the Box Mute Jade or the smooth linear action of the Crabapple.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is characterized by a crunchy and distinct sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a more subdued and dampened sound profile. The Box Mute Jade provides a quieter clicky experience for those who prefer a less prominent sound, whereas the Crabapple offers a mild and understated typing experience in terms of auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profiles, with the Box Mute Jade catering to those who enjoy a more noticeable auditory response and the Crabapple appealing to individuals seeking a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch offers an accented and polished experience, combining medium tactile feedback with smooth key travel. The switches are slightly stiff, requiring a higher actuation force for typing. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple switch boasts a frictionless and textured feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation with a mild level of feedback. The Crabapple switches offer a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, while the Box Mute Jade switches deliver a more distinct tactile response with a refined finish. Choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preference for typing feel, with the Box Mute Jade catering to those who enjoy a defined tactile experience and the Crabapple appealing to users seeking a smoother, frictionless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy clicky sound and accented tactile feel, the Crabapple offers a subdued sound profile and frictionless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing characteristics, users can select the switch that best suits their needs. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and deliver quality performance, ensuring that users will receive satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, consider your preferences for both typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a heavier bottom out force and a distinctly clicky typing experience, the Box Mute Jade is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth and frictionless typing sensation, along with a more understated sound profile, the Crabapple switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a crisp and accentuated typing experience or a gentle and effortless keypress feel.
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