Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Ink Yellow. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch, known for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter clicky sound, it provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow is a linear switch, characterized by its shorter travel and smoothness. It offers a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a pleasant clackiness. Both switches have their unique features and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches differ in their housing materials. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Ink Yellow has a proprietary INK blend top housing. Both materials contribute to the switches' sound profiles, but in different ways. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. While they both offer distinct sound profiles, the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate housing may be more suitable for those who prefer a sharper, crisper sound, while the Ink Yellow's INK blend housing may be more appealing to users who enjoy a higher-pitched and clacky sound.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Ink Yellow incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow shares a similar sound profile to its top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Both materials offer unique characteristics to the switches' sound profiles, with the Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound, and the Ink Yellow's INK blend bottom housing adding to its clacky and high-pitched sound.
When it comes to pressing the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent for both the Box Mute Jade and the Ink Yellow. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, as it is the material that directly interacts with the key press. The top housing, on the other hand, plays a more significant role in the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the materials of the top and bottom housing may differ in their sound profiles, the overall typing experience will be similar as both switches share the same bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it becomes evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Box Mute Jade switch requires a heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the Ink Yellow switch's 60 grams, making the former slightly more resistant to accidental keystrokes. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade has a higher bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch has a lighter bottom out force of 67 grams, allowing for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. Although both switches offer distinct characteristics, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may find the Ink Yellow switch more suitable for longer periods of typing or extensive gaming sessions, while those desiring a heavier and more substantial keystroke may opt for the Box Mute Jade switch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, you may lean towards the Ink Yellow with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, the Box Mute Jade's longer travel distance may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or a more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 unique experience. It has a crunchy sound profile that is commonly associated with clicky switches, resembling the crisp and crunchy sound of stepping on autumn leaves. The sound is more subdued compared to other clicky switches, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a more neutral sound profile. It is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it is worth noting that the sound produced by a switch is not solely dependent on its design, but also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides a combination of characteristics. It is described as accented, which means it offers a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This tactile feedback provides a noticeable bump when typing. Additionally, this switch is known to be stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This adds to the overall feel and can be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Furthermore, the Box Mute Jade is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubrication, leading to reduced friction and smoother key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls into a safe middle ground, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The typing feel is approachable for most users, as it does not have any overwhelming tactile feedback. Similar to the Box Mute Jade, the Ink Yellow switch is also described as polished, meaning it offers a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Jade clicky switch provides a crunchy sound with subdued clickiness, while the Ink Yellow linear switch offers a clacky sound. The Box Mute Jade has a more accented and stiff feel, with a smooth and polished finish. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch provides a mild feel that is approachable to most users and also has a smooth and polished finish. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, appealing to different preferences. However, it's important to consider that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it depends on your preferences and needs. If you enjoy the satisfying feedback of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter sound, the Box Mute Jade is the ideal choice for you. With its heavier bottom out force and accented, stiff, and polished feel, you'll experience a crunchy tactile sensation and a polished typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ink Yellow is the switch to go for. It offers a shorter travel distance and showcases a mild and polished feel that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone. The Ink Yellow is especially recommended for those who want a typing experience in between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. In the end, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding sound, feedback, and typing experience.
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