Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Ice King Linear offer different experiences for users. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of clicky switches without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience due to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, making it a great choice for those seeking a frictionless and quiet typing experience. While the Box Mute Jade is accented, crunchy, and stiff, the Ice King Linear is silky, subdued, and creamy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Ice King Linear provide contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Durock Ice King Linear's nylon top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the softer nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder in comparison to polycarbonate.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the keypress. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the similar nylon bottom housing ensures that users will experience a consistent sound profile when typing on either the Kailh Box Mute Jade or the Durock Ice King Linear.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Ice King Linear ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Those seeking a sharper, high-pitched sound with clear resonance may prefer the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade. In contrast, those looking for a deeper, fuller sound with a duller, rounder tone may lean towards the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear. Regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a consistent typing experience with a similar result in sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch differ significantly. 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. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear is lighter, with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. The heavier force of the Box Mute Jade may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the lighter force of the Ice King Linear is ideal for those looking for a smoother typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages based on individual preferences, ensuring that users can choose the one that best suits their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Box Mute Jade may feel more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether a slightly longer or shorter travel distance is preferred for a specific typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 crunchy and satisfying click similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a more subdued sound profile that is dampened and subtle, making it quieter compared to most switches. Depending on the type of sound you prefer during typing, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides an accented and stiff tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming. The switch also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a silky and frictionless typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Box Mute Jade, the Ice King Linear switch also boasts a polished finish for reduced friction and enhanced smoothness in typing.
Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics of the two switches, it is evident that the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer unique and contrasting typing experiences. While the Box Mute Jade provides a more tactile and crunchy feel with a subdued clicky sound, the Ice King Linear offers a smooth and silky typing experience with minimal resistance and a quiet operation. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and auditory cues, each switch caters to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile and clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. The crunchy feel and quieter click of these switches make for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and silky typing experience with minimal resistance, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch is the way to go. The full nylon construction and generous factory lube provide a frictionless and creamy typing sensation. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when choosing between these two switches to find the one that suits your typing style best.
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