Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Ink Black V2 offer distinct features and experiences. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying crunch with a more subdued sound profile. If you enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter typing experience, this switch is perfect for you. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a linear switch that has become a crowd favorite in the keyboard community. Known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, this switch offers a different typing sensation compared to the Box Mute Jade. While it lacks the clicky feedback, it provides a satisfying and smooth keystroke.

However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$6.50 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in the materials used for their top housings. The Box Mute Jade utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. This blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both housings have their unique sound profiles, they create similar results in terms of a thin and higher-pitched sound.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade features a nylon material. Nylon is well-known as a classic switch housing material and offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to its softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, this blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, resulting in a satisfying and clacky typing experience. Although both bottom housings have different materials, they still offer similar higher-pitched sound profiles.

When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switches, the impact of the top and bottom housings varies. The bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, primarily showcases the qualities of the material used in the bottom housing. In contrast, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Ink Black V2 may have different housing materials, their impact on the sound and feel of the switches can be observed in both the bottom-out and release phases.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, while the Ink Black V2 has a lighter actuation force of 60 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade requires a heavier force of 82 grams, whereas the Ink Black V2 requires a slightly lighter force of 70 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ink Black V2 would be the better choice as it has a lower actuation force and a slightly lighter bottom out force. This is ideal for individuals who type for extended periods, such as office workers or gamers in long gaming sessions.

On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force and bottom out force. This can be preferred by users who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more tactile response from their keyboard.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is heavier in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch. Depending on personal preference and typing requirements, individuals can choose either switch to suit their needs.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is clear that the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Black V2 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem insignificant, but it can have an impact on the overall feel and performance of the switch. The Ink Black V2, with its longer travel distance, offers a more hearty and pronounced feel when pressing down on a key. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade, with its shorter travel distance, provides a more responsive and quicker key press. Gamers, for instance, often opt for switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times during intense gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is known for its crunchy feel and more subdued sound profile. This switch provides users with a slight bump when pressed, resulting in a tactile typing experience. While it is still a clicky switch, the sound it produces is quieter compared to other clicky switches. It can be likened to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack. It is a long-time community favorite known for its linear feel without any tactile bump. The sound produced by this switch is described as low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy. The low-pitched aspect gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the chirpy feature adds a unique acoustic signature.

When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch is characterized as accented, stiff, and polished. Despite being a clicky switch, its tactility is not overwhelming but still noticeably present. It requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, resulting in a stiffer typing experience that requires more force when pressing the keys. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.

In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as mild and polished. Its typing experience is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the switch are approachable to most, as it stands in a safe, middle-ground zone with its qualities. Similar to the Box Mute Jade, the polished finish of the Ink Black V2 switch contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy feel with a more subdued clicky sound profile, while the Ink Black V2 offers a smooth downstroke and a rich, low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound. The Box Mute Jade has an accented and stiffer feel, while the Ink Black V2 offers a mild and gentle typing experience. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring a sleek and smooth typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose either switch to achieve your desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a heavier switch with a more subdued clicky sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a slight bump and a quieter clicky sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear switch with a rich clack sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be the better option. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force and offer a smooth downstroke. In terms of sound, the Box Mute Jade has a crunchy sound resembling stepping on autumn leaves, while the Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched, bassy sound with a slight chirp. When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade is described as accented, stiff, and polished, while the Ink Black V2 is described as mild and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for weight, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more