Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch. Each switch offers its own unique features and advantages, making the decision between the two a bit challenging. On one hand, the Box Mute Jade provides a satisfying clicky feel with a more subdued sound profile, making it a great option for those who enjoy the tactile feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Gold Brown offers a balanced experience with a slight bump and moderate weightiness. The rounded sound profile of the Gold Brown is softer than most switches, but not completely silent. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Gold Brown have similar polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, providing these switches with a clear and resonant sound profile. The use of polycarbonate also makes the switches aesthetically pleasing, especially if RGB lighting is incorporated. Both switches share these qualities due to the translucent nature of polycarbonate. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and visual appeal when using either the Box Mute Jade or the Gold Brown.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the switches differ. The Box Mute Jade features a nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Brown also utilizes nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Both switches take advantage of these properties to enhance the typing experience, providing users with a satisfying auditory feedback.
Regarding the overall typing experience, the bottom and top housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing directly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed, impacting the tactile feedback users perceive during typing. On the other hand, the top housing's main influence lies in the sound produced when a key is released. By considering these factors along with the housing materials used, users can choose between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Gold Brown to achieve their desired typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Mute Jade is heavier in both aspects, with an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. On the other hand, the Gold Brown offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown would be a suitable choice. This switch allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. It is ideal for individuals who use keyboards extensively at work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions.
Meanwhile, if one desires a more substantial and pronounced push feel while typing, the Box Mute Jade with its heavier forces may be more appealing. This switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback and a greater degree of resistance, resulting in a more robust typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics, allowing users to tailor their keyboard to their specific needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have different travel distances. The travel distance of the Box Mute Jade is 3.6 mm, while the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. The Box Mute Jade offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it suitable for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to lean towards switches with shorter travel distances, as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press. Some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, so the longer travel distance of the Gold Brown switch may provide them with a more satisfying typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 described as crunchy. This means that the sound it produces is similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound level that is suitable for most purposes. The Gold Brown switch has a generally softer sound compared to most switches, although it is not completely silent. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is characterized as accented, stiff, and polished. The switch provides a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle, giving a prominent bump during key presses. The higher amount of force required to actuate and bottom-out the keys also adds to the overall feel of the switch. Additionally, the polished finish of the Box Mute Jade switch ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience. The switch provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The keystrokes are smooth and fluid, making the typing sensation seamless and effortless. Similar to the Box Mute Jade, it also has an accented and polished feel, providing a notable amount of tactility without being overwhelming, as well as a sleek and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Gold Brown switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy sound profile, a medium amount of tactility, and a stiffer feel. It is suited for those who prefer a clicky switch with a subdued sound. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch offers a neutral sound profile, a mild amount of tactility, and a buttery feel. It is a balanced switch that appeals to a wide range of users. Both switches have accented and polished finishes, ensuring smooth and refined typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you enjoy the satisfying crunch and click of a switch with a more subdued sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches provide a slight bump and a quieter, yet unmistakable, clicky sound. With a bottom out force of 82 grams, they offer a heavy and accented feel, along with a polished and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a medium weightiness and a softer sound profile, then the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is ideal. These switches have a slight and satisfying bump, with a bottom out force of 63 grams. They offer a mild and accented feel, along with a buttery and polished keystroke experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch comes down to your preference for the sound, feel, and weight of the switch. Consider your typing style and environment to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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