Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Dareu Holly offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying tactile feedback with a more subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy the clicky feel without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly is a tactile switch with a medium 50g actuation force, offering a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements for a balanced typing experience. While the Box Mute Jade is categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished', the Holly is labeled as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral'. Each switch caters to different preferences, but diving deeper into their characteristics will help you choose the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The major difference between the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Holly is that the Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Holly also utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This means that both switches will offer a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan on using RGB lighting. However, the bottom housing material sets them apart, with the Jade featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, compared to the Holly's nylon bottom housing which also provides a similar sound experience.
In terms of sound production, the nylon bottom housing of both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Holly plays a significant role in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a more rounded and muted sound. This characteristic is shared between the two switches and contributes to a satisfying typing experience for users. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is noticeable when typing on both the Jade and Holly switches.
Although the top housings of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Holly are both made of polycarbonate, the differences lie in the bottom housing material. While the top housing contributes to the overall sound profile and aesthetics of the switch, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in the typing experience, affecting the sound and feel of the switch when pressed. Both switches offer a unique combination of materials that result in a satisfying and tactile typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing providing a deeper sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer different actuation and bottom out forces for users to consider. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In comparison, the Holly has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. The bottom out force of the Holly is not available, so it is unclear how it compares in that aspect. Overall, those who prefer a heavier feel may lean towards the Box Mute Jade, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Holly. Both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to individual preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mute Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Holly. A 3.6 mm travel distance can offer a quicker response time, making it ideal for gaming, while a 4 mm travel distance provides a more tactile and pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style. If you prioritize speed and quick keystrokes, the Mute Jade may be the better option. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Holly with its longer travel distance may be more suited to your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy and clicky typing experience, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. In contrast, the Dareu Holly switch provides a unique sound profile that combines chirpy and clacky elements, offering a balanced and distinctive typing auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Box Mute Jade will provide a more subdued sound compared to the lively and distinct sound of the Dareu Holly switch.
Moving on to feel, the Box Mute Jade switch provides an accented and stiff tactile feel, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. Combined with a polished finish, users can expect a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, information regarding the tactile feel of the Dareu Holly switch is currently unknown. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will heavily depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. If you prefer a quieter and crunchier typing experience with a medium tactile response, the Box Mute Jade would be an excellent choice. However, if you seek a balance of chirpy and clacky sound elements along with a unique typing experience, the Dareu Holly switch may be more suitable. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a quieter yet still distinct clicky sound, the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. However, if you are looking for a switch with a medium actuation force and a unique sound profile combining chirpy and clacky elements, then the Dareu Holly might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you are looking for, whether it be a crunchy and accented feel or a chirpy and clacky sound. Choose wisely and enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience!
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