Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, look no further than the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Light Tactile. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a unique combination of a crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky sound, this switch is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile response without being disruptive. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock provides a gentle and angelic tactility that serves as a refreshing contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found on the market. Accompanied by a jelly-like sound, typing on these switches becomes an enjoyable experience. While these generalities may help guide your decision, let's delve deeper into the characteristics of each switch to determine the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
52g
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 Kailh Box Mute Jade and Durock Light Tactile switch both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This shared characteristic means that they will both produce a similar sound profile, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for enhanced aesthetics, as the translucent material is especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are aiming for a switch with vibrant RGB illumination and a distinct sound, both the Box Mute Jade and Light Tactile switches will provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade and Light Tactile switches differ in their choice of materials. The Box Mute Jade's bottom housing is made of nylon, while the Light Tactile's bottom housing also utilizes nylon. Despite both switches utilizing the same material for their bottom housing, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the bottom and top of the switch. Since nylon is a relatively softer plastic, typing on switches that use this material in the bottom housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon also absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is influenced primarily by the bottom housing.
In terms of overall feel, the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. This means that the choice of bottom housing material will have a greater influence on the tactile feedback and typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when you let go of a key. As a result, the Box Mute Jade and Light Tactile switches may offer a distinction in the typing experience based on the qualities contributed by their respective top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that there are notable differences. The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, while the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch requires a lighter force of 52 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier force of 82 grams, whereas the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch requires a medium-heavy force of 67 grams to fully press down. Therefore, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch can be considered as the heavier option, while the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is relatively lighter. This makes the Durock Light Tactile switch more suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as the lighter weight allows for ease of use. However, some users may prefer the substantial typing experience provided by the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference and the specific typing requirements of the user.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch. The Box Mute Jade falls on the shorter end of the spectrum compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. For gamers or those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade may be preferred. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more hearty key press, the longer travel distance of the Light Tactile may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and desired level of key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 is best known for its crunchy sound profile. These switches have a distinct clicky sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound level that is neither too loud nor too soft, making it suitable for most purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches provide an accented tactile experience. This means that they have a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. The tactile bump is noticeable but not too pronounced, offering a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, these switches have a stiffer feel, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing experience. The switches are also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switches offer a more mild tactile feel. They provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The tactile bump is present but not as prominent as in some other tactile switches. These switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smoother key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches are ideal for those who enjoy a crunchy clicky sound and a stiffer, accented tactile feel. They provide a satisfying clicky sound and a noticeable tactile bump without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switches offer a more gentle and mild typing experience. They have a neutral sound profile and a subtle tactile bump, making them suitable for most users. Both switches have a polished finish for reduced friction and smoother key travel. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch can provide a great typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a heavier bottom out force and a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. With a slight bump and a quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound signature, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a gentle tactility, the Durock Light Tactile switches are a great option. These switches offer an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature that is a welcome contrast to sharper tactile switches. In terms of sound, the Box Mute Jade switches have a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, while the Light Tactile switches have a more neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes. When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade switches are described as accented, stiff, and polished, providing a prominent yet refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switches offer a mild typing experience and also have a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
