Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko Fairy offer distinct features catered to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade provides a clicky typing experience with a subtle sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy offers a smooth and quiet linear switch, perfect for office settings and extended use due to its lubrication and medium weight. Both switches have their unique characteristics, catering to different needs and preferences. 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
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
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko Fairy switches both play a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. While the Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched sound, the Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in materials leads to a noticeable difference in the typing experience when using these switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade allows for a more clear and resonant sound, ideal for users who prefer a crisper typing experience, while the nylon top housing of the Fairy provides a mellower sound, perfect for those who enjoy a softer typing feel.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Box Mute Jade and the Akko Fairy switches utilize nylon material. This means that both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Despite both switches using the same material for their bottom housings, the overall typing experience may still vary due to differences in other components of the switches. However, users can expect a similar level of impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when using either switch.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Akko Fairy switches comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Mute Jade provides a distinct sharp and crisp sound profile, while the nylon housing in the Fairy offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, making them suitable choices for users with varying preferences in sound and tactile feedback. Whether you prioritize a clear and resonant typing experience or a more mellow and rounded sound profile, there is a switch available to suit your individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, one notable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Mute Jade has a higher actuation force of 75 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Fairy has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. The Box Mute Jade offers a heavier typing experience, while the Fairy provides a lighter one. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences for typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches have slightly shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Kailh Box Mute Jade for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Akko Fairy with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 clicky switch offers a unique "crunchy" sound profile that is associated with clicky switches, resembling stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch is described as having a "muted" sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for office settings. While the Box Mute Jade provides a more noticeable clicky sound, the Fairy switch offers a more subdued and gentle sound profile suitable for shared spaces. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch delivers an "accented" tactile experience, providing a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming yet noticeable. With a "stiff" feel, these switches require a higher amount of force to actuate, offering a satisfying press without causing fatigue. Additionally, the switches are described as "polished," ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a "mild" and "subtle" typing feel, providing a gentle resistance that is approachable to most users. Similarly "polished" for smooth key travel, the Fairy switch aims for a comfortable typing experience ideal for extended use.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Mute Jade provides a more pronounced crunch and tactile experience, the Fairy switch focuses on creating a quieter and smoother typing experience suitable for professional environments. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for sound, feel, and the intended usage scenario. Whether you prefer a clicky switch with a crunchy sound or a linear switch with a refined feel, both switches offer quality features that cater to different user needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a heavy, crunchy clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile and a tactile feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter, linear switch with a factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience and a comfortable feel ideal for office settings, then the Akko Fairy linear switch would suit your needs perfectly. Consider your preferences for key feel, sound profile, and intended usage to make the best decision between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and requirements, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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