Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two switches that stand out are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying crunch with a more subdued sound profile. It features a slight bump when pressed and emits a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly excellence. Typing on these switches produces a higher pitched clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel. While both switches have their unique qualities, let's delve deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best switch choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The use of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through effectively. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon material, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches will therefore offer a similar typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a more pronounced and satisfying sound when pressing down on the keys.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Box Mute Jade and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches will deliver comparable results in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
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 Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, requiring a stronger push to initiate a keystroke. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade requires 82 grams of force to fully press down, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 67 grams. This indicates that the Box Mute Jade is both heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out forces compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Considering weight is important because it affects the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, as it enables longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience would find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Mute Jade more satisfying. The heavier forces provide a stronger push feel, resulting in a more robust typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Box Mute Jade being heavier and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow being lighter.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is considered the more traditional option, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Mute Jade is slightly shorter. Shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you value responsiveness, the Box Mute Jade would be the better choice. However, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel abrupt, so if you prefer a more substantial key press, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. In both cases, you can expect a satisfactory typing experience, but with slight variations in key travel distance that can cater to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is best known for its crunchy feel and more subdued sound profile. When typing on these switches, you will experience a slight bump and a quieter, but still clicky, sound. The sound can be compared to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is known for its higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, which can be appealing if you prefer a more resonant and immersive typing experience. The feel of both switches is described as polished, which means a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Box Mute Jade is also described as accented and stiff, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, and requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. Overall, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a subdued sound and crunchy feel, the Box Mute Jade would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a smooth and bouncy linear switch with a higher-pitched and resonant sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a fitting option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the crunchy feeling and quieter sound of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a slight bump and a more subdued clicky sound profile, which can be preferable if you value a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a higher pitched and clacky sound profile, as well as a fairly bouncy typing feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be the ideal switch for you. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for the level of noise and tactile feedback you desire in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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