Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introduction:
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing needs. Two popular options in the market are the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the TTC Honey, a linear switch. The Box Mute Jade is renowned for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer the satisfying click of a switch without too much noise. On the other hand, the Honey switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, coupled with a deep and pleasant sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities and benefits, and understanding them in more detail will help you make an informed decision. So let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities and explore which switch is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Honey both share a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that require RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a notable difference between the two switches. The Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Honey features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the characteristics of the top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound.
As a result of the different materials used in the top and bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade and the TTC Honey will provide distinct experiences. When pressing down a key, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing will have more impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, users should consider their preferences in sound profiles and tactile feedback when deciding between these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, we can see clear differences in weight. The Box Mute Jade has a heavy actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. In contrast, the Honey switch is much lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams.
This difference in weight has implications for different typing preferences. Those who prefer a lighter feel may appreciate the Honey switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users might prefer the Box Mute Jade switch for a more substantial typing experience, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel.
It is worth mentioning that if one prefers a lighter typing experience, they may choose the Honey switch, as even though its actuation and bottom out forces are lighter, they still provide similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke and pressing all the way down. Similarly, for those who prefer a heavier feel, the Box Mute Jade switch would satisfy that requirement. Overall, the weight of these switches plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience one desires.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Honey linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Honey has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Honey switch has a slightly deeper key press compared to the Box Mute Jade. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Box Mute Jade with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Honey switch with its slightly longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize quick response times or a more satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a distinctive crunchy sound profile. This sound is often associated with clicky switches and can be compared to the crisp and crunchy sound of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch provides a more subdued sound experience. While not completely silent, it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle and gentle sound signature compared to most switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch provides an accented tactile experience. This means that it offers a certain level of tactility that is not overpowering but still noticeable. It can be described as a "medium tactile" switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without overwhelming or subtleness. Additionally, the switch has a slightly stiffer feel, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This provides a satisfying feedback for users who prefer a more robust typing experience. The switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a creamy and buttery typing experience. It feels smooth and effortless, as if gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. This sensation is achieved through lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. The Honey switch is also characterized by its frictionless nature, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It offers a fluid and uniform typing experience. Similar to the Box Mute Jade, the Honey switch also features a subtle resistance and a polished finish, providing a gentle and sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and TTC Honey linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy sound and an accented and stiffer tactile feel. On the other hand, the Honey switch offers a creamy sound and a smooth and buttery typing feel. Both switches feature a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and a clicky sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the perfect choice for you. It offers a satisfying crunchy feel and a quieter clicky sound profile compared to other clicky switches. Additionally, its accented and polished design provides a smooth typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smoother and creamier feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is the ideal option. It offers a deep and pleasant sound profile and a frictionless typing experience. With its buttery and subtle characteristics, it provides effortless keystrokes and is suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Mute Jade and the Honey switch will depend on your personal preferences for weight, tactile feedback, sound, and overall typing experience.
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