Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Koala offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala strikes a balance between tactility and noise, providing a satisfying bump without overwhelming sound levels. While the Box Mute Jade is categorized as 'Crunchy' and 'Stiff', the Koala is described as 'Stepped' and 'Low-pitched'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Koala are quite similar in terms of the top housing being made of polycarbonate. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the differences lie in the bottom housing material, with the Box Mute Jade featuring a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the benefit of using polycarbonate for their top housing, the Kailh Box Mute Jade stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Koala maintains a consistent material choice throughout its housing, resulting in a more cohesive sound profile overall. The impact of the housing materials is split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more of an influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Koala utilize polycarbonate in their top housing to create a sharp and crisp sound profile. While the Box Mute Jade further enhances its sound with a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the Koala opts for consistency in its material choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch have noticeable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, while the Koala's actuation force is unknown. However, the Box Mute Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams compared to the Koala's bottom out force of 67 grams. This indicates that the Box Mute Jade is heavier overall in both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Koala may be the better choice due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade would be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Mute Jade offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Koala provides a deeper feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In terms of travel distance, the Box Mute Jade is the shorter option while the Durock Koala is the longer option, offering users variations in the typing experience they desire. Both switches, however, will provide reliable results depending on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a unique crunchy sound that is commonly associated with clicky switches, resembling the crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various preferences. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade switch is characterized by its accented, stiff, and polished attributes, providing a tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable, with a sleek and refined typing experience. Similarly, the Durock Koala switch also boasts polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities, offering a smooth key travel experience with a medium tactile bump that is neither too subtle nor too harsh. Both switches deliver a satisfying tactile feedback, ensuring a comfortable typing experience that caters to individual preferences.
Overall, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and Durock Koala tactile switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a crunchy clicky sound with a subdued profile or a low-pitched, neutral sound with a pronounced tactile bump, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that you get a satisfying result with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you enjoy a heavier key press and a quieter clicky sound, the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a pronounced but not overwhelming tactile bump, the Durock Koala is a solid choice. Both switches offer their own unique typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound. Happy keyboarding!
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