Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying crunch with a quieter sound profile. It provides a slight bump and unmistakably clicky sound, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile experience but prefer a more subdued noise level. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that offers a gentle bump without overpowering your typing flow. It boasts an economical price point while still maintaining high-quality performance. The G Pro Brown also features a frosted light diffuser, enhancing its RGB lighting and creating an immersive visual experience. With a medium-high pitch and satisfying auditory feedback, this switch adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Box Mute Jade and the G Pro 3.0 Brown will deliver comparable sound qualities and visual effects when it comes to their top housing.
However, the difference lies in their bottom housing material. The Box Mute Jade employs nylon for its bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown also utilizes nylon. Nylon is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The higher sound absorption of nylon compared to harder plastics leads to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite their similarities in using nylon, the bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade and the G Pro 3.0 Brown will have a distinct impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch.
When it comes to typing experience, pressing down on either the Box Mute Jade or the G Pro 3.0 Brown will provide a similar sensation due to the shared bottom housing materials. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, which means typing on both switches will offer comparable feedback. However, the top housing has a more pronounced influence on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the overall typing experience may be similar, the release sound may exhibit subtle differences between the Box Mute Jade and the G Pro 3.0 Brown due to their respective top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's lighter actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Box Mute Jade requires more force to register a keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade also surpasses the G Pro 3.0 Brown, with a higher force of 82 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's 63 grams. This indicates that the Box Mute Jade switch is heavier overall, requiring more force when fully pressing down on the keys. For individuals who appreciate a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the preferable choice, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or extended gaming sessions. It is important to consider these differences in actuation and bottom out forces when choosing between the two switches, as it can significantly impact the overall typing experience and user preference.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch have different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its 4 mm travel distance, falls into the more traditional range of switch travel distances. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade's travel distance of 3.6 mm is slightly shorter, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances can feel more abrupt to some individuals. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 switch offers a unique experience. These switches have a more subdued sound profile compared to other clicky switches, making them perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feel of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter sound. They provide a slight bump when pressed, accompanied by an unmistakable clicky sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is not explicitly described, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. It is likely that the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch produces a medium-high pitch sound that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to typing sessions.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch offers a combination of qualities. It is described as accented, indicating that it provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This allows for a prominent amount of tactility without overpowering the typing flow. Additionally, it is mentioned that these switches are on the stiffer side, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This stiffness can provide a unique typing experience for those who prefer a higher level of resistance. Moreover, the Box Mute Jade switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is characterized by different qualities. It is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This low-impact typing experience enhances comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is also considered mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is mentioned as stepped, indicating that it has a two-stage feel with pre-travel and/or post-travel. This adds an element of subtlety to the tactile sensation, allowing for a nuanced typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade switch provides a more subdued sound profile with a crunchy feel, ideal for those who enjoy a clicky switch without the loud noise. It offers accented tactility and stiffness, coupled with a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch delivers a medium-high pitch sound, characterized by easy-to-press and mild qualities, providing a low-impact and approachable typing experience. It features a stepped feel that adds a subtle touch to the tactile sensation. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches can deliver satisfying results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavier switch with a crunchy feel and a more subdued clicky sound, then the Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. Its heavy bottom out force of 82 grams provides a satisfying resistance and its polished finish ensures smooth and sleek key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a gentle tactile sensation and easier key presses, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent option. With its medium bottom out force of 63 grams and easy-to-press characteristics, it offers a low-impact and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities and can enhance your typing sessions in different ways. So consider your preferences and typing needs to make the best choice for you.
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