Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Ice King Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade offers a clicky experience with a quieter sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a crunchy feel without the loud noise typically associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile is praised for its smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience that blends the best of both worlds. Each switch has its own set of characteristics and attributes that appeal to different users, making it a matter of personal preference. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials are effective in enhancing sound quality, the polycarbonate in the Box Mute Jade creates a more resonant and clear sound, while the nylon in the Ice King Tactile produces a rounder and duller sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Box Mute Jade and the Ice King Tactile utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing may have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite having different top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality for both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches provides users with unique auditory experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Mute Jade creates a distinct sharp and crisp sound, ideal for those looking for a clearer typing experience. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile's nylon housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for users seeking a more muffled and rounded typing sound. While the differences in housing materials contribute to varying sound profiles, both switches offer solid typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams. The Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches provide satisfying feedback, but the different actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.5mm travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Box Mute Jade offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Ice King Tactile. Gamers who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Box Mute Jade, while those who enjoy a bit more key depth may opt for the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile 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 comparing the sound of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch to the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that they offer contrasting auditory experiences. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, whereas the Ice King Tactile offers a more subdued and dampened sound profile. While both switches maintain their distinct clicky or tactile characteristics, the Jade switch leans towards a louder and more distinctive click, while the Ice King Tactile offers a quieter and more subtle sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch also diverge in their tactile experiences. The Box Mute Jade gives an accented and stiff feel, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a silky and frictionless typing experience, with a stepped tactile feel that provides two stages of feedback during key presses, complemented by a polished finish for reduced friction.
Considering both the sound and feel aspects of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Jade switch excels in providing a crunchy clicky sound and accented tactile feel, suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and audible click. Meanwhile, the Ice King Tactile offers a subdued sound profile and silky frictionless feel, ideal for users who seek a smoother and quieter typing experience with a sophisticated tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and a smooth, silky typing feel, the Ice King Tactile would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a crunchy clicky feel with a quieter sound profile, the Box Mute Jade would be the ideal switch for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Consider how you like your typing experience to be and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences.
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