Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Flame Red. Each switch offers distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy the satisfying tactile feedback without a loud noise. On the other hand, the Flame Red is a linear switch that boasts a visually stunning light diffuser, perfect for those who prioritize aesthetics on their backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Box Mute Jade provides a slight bump and a quieter clicky sound signature, while the Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Flame Red switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates 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 ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Flame Red switch has a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Both switches have nylon bottom housings, making them similar in terms of sound profile. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings also produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. Therefore, although the top housings differ between the Box Mute Jade and Flame Red switches, the bottom housings offer similar qualities in terms of sound.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom and top housings of a switch play a role. Pressing down on the Box Mute Jade or Flame Red switch will primarily highlight the properties of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key is more influenced by the qualities of the top housing. This means that the choice of housing material in the top and bottom portions of a switch can result in a distinct typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, one noticeable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Flame Red offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, enabling a smoother and easier keystroke initiation. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is heavier at 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Flame Red has a comparatively lighter bottom out force of 54 grams, ensuring a lighter touch and potentially reducing fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Therefore, individuals seeking a keyboard for extended periods of typing or gaming may opt for the lighter actuation and bottom out forces provided by the Flame Red, while those who prefer a more substantial and heavier feel may gravitate towards the Box Mute Jade. It is worth noting that both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preference, allowing users to achieve similar results of their desired force application.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, we can see that the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Box Mute Jade, the distance it travels from the top to the bottom is shorter compared to the Flame Red.
Traditionally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered standard, while 3.0 mm is considered shallow. However, contemporary preferences have seen the rise of shorter travel distances as well. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you value a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade would be a suitable choice.
On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and prefer a switch with a deeper key depression. In this case, the Flame Red, with its longer travel distance, would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for either speed or depth in the typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 switch is best known for its crunchy feel and a more subdued clicky sound. The sound of these switches can be compared to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch is described as having a more neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground between being too loud and too quiet, making it suitable for various purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout, keycap material, and overall build quality.
Moving on to the feel, the Box Mute Jade switch provides a combination of accented tactility and stiffness. It offers a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. This gives users a prominent tactile feedback without it being too subtle. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch offers a more mild typing experience. It doesn't have an intense tactile bump but still provides a gentle feedback while typing. This makes it a safe and approachable option for most users, regardless of their typing proficiency. Similar to the Box Mute Jade, the Flame Red switch also has a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and a refined typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchier, more subdued clicky sound and an accented, stiff, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Flame Red offers a more neutral sound profile with a mild and polished feel. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined typing experiences. Depending on personal preference and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfactory typing experience. However, it's important to note that the choice of keyboard layout, keycaps, and overall build quality can also impact the final sound and feel of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. In terms of sound, they produce a crunchy and unmistakably clicky sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switches have a polished finish, ensuring a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prioritize visual aesthetics, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the way to go. These switches feature a stunning light diffuser, making them perfect for backlit or RGB keyboards. With a medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams, the Flame Red switches offer a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. They provide a mild typing experience, suitable for beginners or advanced users alike, and have a polished finish for that sleek and refined key travel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Flame Red switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal. Consider whether you prefer a quieter clicky sound with a heavier tactile feedback or a clacky sound with a smooth and gentle typing experience. Both switches offer a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel. Take into account your specific needs and use cases, and you will be able to make an informed decision on which switch is best suited for you.
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