Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Crystal

Overview

If you are considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Crystal are two excellent options with distinct characteristics. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile. It offers a slight bump and emits a quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound when typing. On the other hand, the Crystal is a linear switch that provides a unique typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight. Typing on the Crystal switches feels smooth and neutral with a chirpy, high-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own advantages and are suitable for different preferences. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Crystal share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's relatively stiffer plastic nature allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Moreover, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that intend to incorporate RGB lighting.

However, the differences arise when it comes to the bottom housing of these switches. The Box Mute Jade features a nylon bottom housing, while the Crystal utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, consistent with its properties in the top housing.

Overall, the combination of different housing materials in these switches provides a unique experience. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. The Box Mute Jade's divergent use of nylon in the bottom housing sets it apart from the Crystal, resulting in a distinct typing experience. Nevertheless, both switches offer high-quality sound profiles due to their implementation of polycarbonate in the top housing, delivering sharp and clear tones alongside aesthetically pleasing translucent designs.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Box Mute Jade, with its actuation force of 75 grams and bottom out force of 82 grams, provides a heavier and more substantial typing experience. This may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more pronounced tactile response. On the other hand, the Crystal switch offers a lighter typing experience, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter switch for extended periods of typing or gaming. Although the Crystal switch is on the lighter side, it still provides a delicate level of feedback due to its linear design. Overall, the weight consideration for these switches allows individuals to select their preference based on the duration and strength of their typing needs.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Crystal switch aligns with the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade offers a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.6 mm, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. While both switches provide a different experience in terms of travel distance, the results are similar, and it ultimately comes down to individual preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch offers a crunchy clicky experience with a somewhat subdued sound profile. It provides a slight bump when pressed and produces a quieter, though unmistakably clicky, sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal switch offers a more neutral sound profile. Described as chirpy and high-pitched, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. They have a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart from other switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a clicky switch with a quieter sound, the Box Mute Jade is an excellent choice. If you're looking for a switch with a chirpy and high-pitched sound, the Crystal switch will meet your desires.

In terms of feel, both the Box Mute Jade and the Crystal switches are described as polished. This indicates that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The polished switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing overall typing comfort. However, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Crystal switch aside from being polished. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade is described as having an accented feel. This means that it offers a medium tactile experience, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is also labeled as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. If you prefer a switch with a medium tactile feel and require more force for key presses, the Box Mute Jade would be the ideal choice.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy clicky experience with a more subdued sound profile, featuring a slight bump and quieter click. It also offers an accented and stiff feel with a smooth and refined finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Crystal switch offers a more neutral and high-pitched sound profile, although specific details about its feel are unknown, aside from being polished. However, both switches offer the advantage of a polished finish for enhanced typing comfort. Depending on your preferences, you can select the Box Mute Jade for a clicky experience with a quieter sound and medium tactile feel, or the Crystal for a neutral sound profile with high-pitched characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you enjoy the feeling of a clicky switch with a more subtle sound and a heavier bottom out force, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the best choice for you. It provides a slight bump and a quieter click, giving you a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a fairly elastic feel and a medium-light weight, offering a smooth and distinct typing sensation. They also provide a neutral sound profile while typing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of both sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.

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