Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between two popular options: the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Laurel. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying and crunchy feel when typing. It offers a more subdued sound profile compared to other clicky switches, making it a great choice for those who enjoy the tactile feedback without attracting too much attention. On the other hand, the Laurel is a linear switch that strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, it provides a smooth typing experience. The sound profile of the Laurel is subtly low-pitched, adding a touch of elegance to your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can ultimately decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Laurel differ in terms of their housing materials. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Laurel utilizes a POM top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Mute Jade creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while POM in the Laurel produces a deeper and more muted sound. With the Box Mute Jade's translucent polycarbonate top housing, it is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Laurel's POM top housing creates its own unique and pleasing sound profile, which leans towards a deeper tone.
In terms of bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade employs a nylon material, while the Laurel incorporates POM. Nylon in the Box Mute Jade contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Laurel's POM bottom housing complements its overall deeper and more muted sound profile, enhancing the switch's overall tonal quality.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the properties of the bottom and top housings of each switch play a significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it is nylon or POM, greatly influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing, whether it is polycarbonate or POM, has a more pronounced impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique and desirable sound profiles, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, we can see clear differences in their weight. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, meaning it requires more force to trigger a keystroke, while the Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is heavier at 82 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys. In contrast, the Laurel has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel offers a more suitable option with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods, such as at work or during long gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a stronger and more tactile push feel, the heavier forces of the Box Mute Jade would provide a satisfying typing experience. These individuals may appreciate the added resistance and feedback during keystrokes.
Overall, the weight of the switches plays a crucial role in choosing the right one. While the Box Mute Jade offers a heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial and tactile experience, the Laurel provides a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions. So, depending on individual preferences, one can find similar typing results in terms of actuation and bottom out, albeit with differing levels of force required.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so if responsiveness is important to you, the Laurel switch may be the better option. However, some people find short travel distances to feel too abrupt, so if you prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key, the Box Mute Jade switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be the preferred choice. Overall, while there is a small difference in travel distance between the two switches, both will provide similar results in terms of the feeling when pressing down on a key.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 experience for those who enjoy the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch but with a more subdued sound profile. When using these switches, there is a slight bump felt and a quieter, yet still unmistakably clicky, sound heard. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile. These switches tend to have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, if you prefer a quieter clicky sound with a slight bump, the Box Mute Jade is the way to go, while the Laurel offers a more low-pitched sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade offers a combination of qualities. It is described as having an accented feel, implying a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This means that the switch provides a noticeable amount of tactile feedback without being too pronounced. Additionally, these switches are known to be stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This can result in a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit of resistance. Lastly, the Box Mute Jade is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy. This suggests that the switches are super responsive, likely due to longer or dual-staged springs. This can make the typing experience feel more alive and dynamic. In summary, the Box Mute Jade offers an accented, stiff, and polished feel, while the Laurel provides a snappy response.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Mute Jade provides a quieter and slightly subdued clicky sound with a noticeable bump. Its accented, stiff, and polished feel adds to the overall satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile and a snappy response, making the typing experience feel more lively. Both switches provide their own unique attributes that cater to different preferences. If you're looking for a clicky switch with a quieter sound and a slightly tactile feel, the Box Mute Jade is a great choice. If you prefer a linear switch with a low-pitched sound and a snappy response, the Laurel will deliver similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a heavy and satisfying bottom-out force, as well as a crunchy sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a slight tactile bump and a quieter clicky sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a more low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be the perfect fit. With its medium-light actuation force and full POM housing, the Laurel switch offers a balance of responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the Laurel switch has a subtly low-pitched sound, giving you a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Mute Jade and the Laurel switches depends on your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
