Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Ink Red. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a unique combination of a crunchy feel 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 Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. The Ink Reds are praised for their smoothness, crispy and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$6.50 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Ink Red share some similarities in their housing materials. Both switches have a relatively high-pitched sound profile, with the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing creating a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. Additionally, both switches have a clear housing option, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting.

However, there are also notable differences between the two switches. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness. This stiffness creates a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which is characterized as pointed and relatively high-pitched, but not overly sharp. This blend of materials creates a unique sound experience that some users find satisfying.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares some qualities with its top housing. This adds to the overall sound profile of the switch, creating a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as being clacky.

In summary, while both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Ink Red have their own unique sound profiles, their housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound experience. The Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Ink Red uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke, while the Ink Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Ink Red switch will register keystrokes with a lighter touch, providing a smoother and potentially faster typing experience.

In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade has a heavier force of 82 grams compared to the Ink Red's 60 grams. Bottoming out refers to fully pressing down on the switch. This denotes that the Box Mute Jade switch will exhibit a more substantial typing experience, giving a tactile feedback with a satisfying click sound. The Ink Red switch, on the other hand, offers a lighter bottom out force, which may result in a slightly softer typing experience with less audible feedback.

The weight of the switches is an essential factor to consider. The Box Mute Jade, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, is relatively heavier compared to the Ink Red. This added weight can contribute to a more stable and solid feel during use. Those who prefer a stronger push and desire a more substantial typing experience may find the Box Mute Jade suitable. On the other hand, the Ink Red's lighter actuation and bottom out forces provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where finger fatigue might be a concern.

In summary, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has heavier actuation and bottom out forces, offering a more substantial typing experience, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has lighter forces, providing a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on the individual's preference for a heavier or lighter typing feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that the Box Mute Jade has a shorter distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Red has a longer distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is the most common, while 3.0 mm is considered shallower. However, recent trends have seen shorter travel distances gaining popularity, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority for you, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade would be ideal. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the Ink Red may be preferred. It is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the ideal travel distance for each individual's typing or gaming needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch provides a distinctive crunchy sound profile. This sound is often associated with clicky switches and is likened to the satisfying sensation of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch has a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. However, it also has a unique chirpy quality that sets it apart from other switches. It adds a subtle squeak, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade switch offers an accented tactile experience. It falls under the category of a medium tactile switch that provides a notable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, it is described as stiff, meaning it requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This may require a bit more effort when pressing the keys. The Box Mute Jade switch is also polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a silky smooth typing experience. It offers exceptional smoothness, enhancing the overall feel of typing and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable to most users, as its qualities fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. Similar to the Box Mute Jade switch, the Gateron Ink Red switch also boasts a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Gateron Ink Red switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade switch provides a crunchy clicky sound profile and an accented, stiff, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch has a chirpy sound profile and a silky smooth, mild, and polished feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If a user prefers a quieter, subdued sound with noticeable tactility, the Box Mute Jade switch is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if a user prefers a smoother, more gentle typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red switch is highly recommended.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you enjoy the satisfying crunch and clicky sound of a switch but prefer a quieter typing experience, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 82 grams, it offers a heavy and accented tactile feel that is not overwhelming. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade is described as having a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be more suitable. With a lower bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a mild and silky typing feel that enhances overall smoothness. The Ink Reds also have a crisp and clacky sound profile, with a unique chirpy acoustic signature that sets them apart from other switches.

Ultimately, the choice between the Box Mute Jade and Ink Red switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you value a clicky switch with a subdued sound and medium tactile feel, go for the Box Mute Jade. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and effortless typing experience, opt for the Ink Red. Always consider your typing style and the overall typing experience you desire when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more