Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Dolphin 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 Durock Dolphin linear switch, you have a variety of factors to consider. The Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy the clicky typing experience without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin is a silent switch, making it ideal for quiet office environments or workspaces where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force, the Dolphin provides a substantial feel that balances precision with a satisfying press. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Dolphin, both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The Box Mute Jade features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar sound experience.
The utilization of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Box Mute Jade and the Durock Dolphin contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches allows for a unique typing experience, with each switch delivering its own distinct feel and sound. While the polycarbonate top housing may create similar sharp and resonant tones, the nylon bottom housing adds a layer of depth and richness to the overall typing experience.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Dolphin play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing feel of each switch. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing of each switch distinguishes their sound profiles. The Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Durock Dolphin's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the unique characteristics of each switch, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the Durock Dolphin linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade requires 82 grams of force, while the Dolphin only requires 62 grams, making it lighter. The Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Dolphin offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their advantages, with the Box Mute Jade catering to users who prefer heavy forces, while the Dolphin is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Dolphin switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade switch. The difference of 0.2 mm may not be significant to some users, but for those who are sensitive to the feel of a keypress, it could make a difference in their typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers or those who appreciate a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 offers a crunchy and clicky experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. The sound is more subdued compared to traditional clicky switches, providing a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying click. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch produces a muted and low-pitched sound, ideal for quiet environments such as offices. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Mute Jade offering a more traditional clicky feel and sound, while the Dolphin provides a quieter and more subtle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch is described as accented, stiff, and polished, providing a tactile bump without being overwhelming, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate, and offering a smooth key travel experience. This combination of tactile feedback and smoothness makes it a versatile choice for those who prefer a bit of resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is also polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and a consistent key travel. While the Dolphin may not provide the tactile feedback of a clicky switch, its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g strikes a balance between precision and comfort for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy and clicky sound with a tactile bump and resistance, while the Dolphin offers a muted and low-pitched sound with a smooth and consistent key travel. Depending on your preference for sound profile and typing feel, you can choose either switch to achieve a satisfying and precise typing experience. Both switches offer quality construction and performance, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of durability and reliability. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, you'd want to choose the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be the better option for you. Consider your typing preferences, noise sensitivity, and desired level of resistance when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, whether you prioritize the feel or sound of your keyboard, both the Box Mute Jade and Dolphin switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Choose wisely based on what suits your typing style best.
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