Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may want to consider the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch known for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile. While still clicky, it offers a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink is a linear switch that is smooth and provides a lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. It also has a higher-pitched clack. Both switches are categorized as polished, but the Box Mute Jade is considered accented and stiff, while the Ink Box Pink is described as clacky and silky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$6.50 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Ink Box Pink differ in their composition. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. While both materials contribute to a satisfying sound, they offer slightly different tonal characteristics.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade incorporates a nylon material, whereas the Ink Box Pink uses Gateron's INK blend. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink generates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, similar to its top housing. Although both materials contribute to an enjoyable typing experience, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Ink Box Pink's INK blend bottom housing.

In terms of overall effect, the impact of the top and bottom housings on the switch's sound profile is split between the two switches. When typing on the Box Mute Jade, the qualities of the bottom housing, such as a deeper sound, will be more prominent. Conversely, the top housing's impact will be more noticeable when releasing a key. Similarly, pressing down on the Ink Box Pink will emphasize the characteristics of its bottom housing, while the sound upon key release will be influenced by the top housing. While the specific materials may differ, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, while the Ink Box Pink requires a lighter 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Ink Box Pink is more sensitive and easier to engage. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade is again heavier with 82 grams, while the Ink Box Pink measures at 60 grams. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial push feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a heavier switch. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink is lighter, making it ideal for extended typing periods or prolonged gaming sessions. Despite their differences, both switches offer reliable performance and should meet the needs of various users depending on their personal preferences.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Consequently, if you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance, you may need to consider alternative switch options as both the Box Mute Jade and the Ink Box Pink offer a similar and consistent tactile feedback throughout their travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch has a distinctive crunchiness that is typically associated with clicky switches. It produces a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. While the sound is unmistakably clicky, it is more subdued and quieter compared to other clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch has a higher-pitched clack when pressed. The sound is sharp, snappy, crisp, and percussive. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Ink Box Pink might not be the ideal choice. However, sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch offers an accented tactile experience. It provides a noticeable bump but does not feel overly tactile or scratchy. The amount of tactility is described as a "medium tactile" that is prominent without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switch is on the stiffer side, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This means you'll need to apply more force when pressing the keys with these switches. Moreover, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smoother and more refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky smooth typing experience. It is exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Box Mute Jade, the Ink Box Pink switch also features a polished finish, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade has a more subdued and quieter clicky sound with an accented and stiffer feel, while the Ink Box Pink provides a higher-pitched clack and a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose either switch to achieve your desired typing experience. However, it's important to note that other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you enjoy a heavy bottom out force and prefer a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches provide a crunchy feel and a quieter clicky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a lighter typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is ideal. These switches are smooth and offer a higher-pitched clack when pressed. In terms of sound, the Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy sound resembling stepping on piles of autumn leaves, while the Ink Box Pink produces a sharp and crisp clacky sound. As for feel, the Box Mute Jades are accented, stiff, and polished, resulting in a tactile yet smooth typing experience. The Ink Box Pink, on the other hand, offers a silky and polished feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more