Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a unique typing experience, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Grapefruit have something to offer. The Box Mute Jade is best known for its clicky switch design, offering a satisfying crunchy feel and a slightly subdued sound profile. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch without the loud noise commonly associated with them. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit is a linear switch that provides a soft and light typing experience. With a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Grapefruit switch offers a different feel compared to the clicky Box Mute Jade. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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 housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Grapefruit switches are strikingly similar, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing. The polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be effectively utilized. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits when using either switch.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the Box Mute Jade and the Grapefruit switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can anticipate a similar typing experience with regards to the sound produced when using the switches.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, it is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials affect different aspects of the switch's performance. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when the user presses down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when the user releases a key. Thus, while there may be similarities in sound profiles, the overall typing experience may differ depending on the specific combination of top and bottom housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Grapefruit offers a much lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch option. This lighter weight can be advantageous for individuals who prefer typing for longer durations or engaging in extended gaming sessions. While the Box Mute Jade and Grapefruit switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer unique characteristics to cater to varying preferences in terms of typing experience and duration.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. This makes them more suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Box Mute Jade offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50, whereas the KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41.
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 clicky switch offers a more subdued clicky sound profile. It provides a quiet but unmistakably clicky sound signature, making it perfect for those who prefer the crunchiness of a clicky switch without the noise. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. While not yet reaching deep bass tones, it offers a mellow and slightly baritone sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Box Mute Jade switch offers an accented feeling. This term is often used to describe a medium tactile switch that provides a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, it is characterized as a stiff switch, meaning it requires more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This provides a typing experience that demands more effort from the user. Moreover, the Box Mute Jade switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This leads to reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch is also described as polished, providing a similar smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. However, specific information regarding the feeling of this linear switch is not available in the given information.
Taking into account the available information, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a quieter clicky sound profile, an accented and stiff tactile feeling, and a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the information about the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is more limited, it is described as having a low-pitched sound profile and a polished finish, indicating a smooth typing experience. Although the feel of the Grapefruit switch is not explicitly mentioned, it is reasonable to expect a similar level of smoothness and reduced friction due to the polishing. Remember that the choice of switch will ultimately depend on personal preference, typing style, and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, your decision will largely depend on your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and the crunchy sound of a clicky switch, but prefer a more subdued sound profile, then the Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. With its heavy bottom out force of 82 grams and accented, stiff, and polished feel, you can expect a tactile typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a soft and light typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, then the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is the one for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and polished feel ensure a smooth and refined typing experience. The Grapefruit switch is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and requirements. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs. Consider the sound and feel that resonate with you the most and choose accordingly. Happy typing!
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