Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Bsun Dragon Fruit. The Box Mute Jade is known for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy clicky switches without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit switches offer a sharp and definitive bottom-out experience, perfect for tactile feedback enthusiasts looking for a satisfying bump with each press. While the Box Mute Jade is categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished', the Dragon Fruit is labeled as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Both switches offer unique benefits and cater to different preferences. However, let's dive 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
45g
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
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Bsun Dragon Fruit both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material.
On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade and the Dragon Fruit both feature nylon bottom housings that elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material gives a different tactile experience when typing on the switches compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the qualities that nylon brings to the sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Bsun Dragon Fruit play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the difference in nylon bottom housing material offers a distinctive typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing qualities impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches, highlighting the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Mute Jade is the heavier option. The Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Dragon Fruit offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preference. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Dragon Fruit, while those who prefer a heavier feel may lean towards the Box Mute Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Box Mute Jade being slightly longer than the Dragon Fruit. Gamers may prefer the faster response time of the shorter travel distance provided by both switches. However, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Box Mute Jade for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing a balance of responsiveness and keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
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 Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a more subdued and quieter clicky sound profile compared to the Dragon Fruit tactile switch, which features a clacky sound signature. The Box Mute Jade provides a distinctive clicky sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, while the Dragon Fruit offers a livelier and more engaging typing experience with a sharper sound when pressed. Keep in mind that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Box Mute Jade and the Dragon Fruit switches are described as accented, providing a medium tactile feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Box Mute Jade is also described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out, offering a polished and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit switch is highlighted as invigorating and sharp, offering a high feedback intensity with a snappy and responsive feel, making each keypress distinct and immersive.
In conclusion, if you prefer a quieter and more subdued clicky sound along with a stiff and polished feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch would be a suitable choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more engaging and lively typing experience with pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch would be the ideal option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on the sound and feel that best suit your typing style.
Conclusion
Therefore, in choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a heavy, crunchy feel with a quieter clicky sound, the Box Mute Jade would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback paired with a clacky sound signature, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your typing experience will be influenced by these key factors, so make sure to assess what you value in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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