Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. On one hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade offers a unique combination of a clicky feel with a more subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile response without the loud clicking noise. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3, on the other hand, provides a smooth and seamless typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, perfect for those who prioritize a light and responsive keystroke. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both feature a top housing made of polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect.
However, the differences between the two switches lie in their bottom housing materials. The Box Mute Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users seeking a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of the top housing and maintaining a sharper and crisper sound profile throughout the switch.
In conclusion, while both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound profile, their bottom housing materials provide varying tactile and auditory experiences. The Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to users looking for a softer typing experience, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with the sharp and crisp sound profile of its top housing. These differences in housing materials create distinct typing experiences for users to choose from based on their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch are quite different. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, allowing for a smoother and lighter typing feel. The Box Mute Jade is on the heavier side, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and longer typing sessions. Overall, the Box Mute Jade offers a more robust typing experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a lighter and smoother typing feel. Both switches offer unique typing experiences depending on the preferred force required for typing, ensuring that users can choose the option that best suits their preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Box Mute Jade offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more hearty feel when typing. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those who want a more immediate response when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 crunchy and subdued clicky sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, making it a pleasant and less disruptive option for those who enjoy clicky switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharper and brighter typing experience that adds a percussive element to your keystrokes. Depending on personal preferences, the Box Mute Jade may be more suitable for those looking for a quieter clicky switch, while the Lightning Silver V3 is ideal for those who appreciate a sharp and crisp sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch is described as having a medium tactile bump that is not overwhelming yet provides a noticeable feedback, along with a stiffness that requires a bit more force to actuate compared to other switches. Additionally, the switches are polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the contrary, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a silky smooth keypress, enhancing the overall typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This feature makes the Lightning Silver V3 a popular choice for those who prioritize smoothness in their typing experience.
In conclusion, if you prefer a quieter clicky switch with a crunchy feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a silky smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be a great choice. Keep in mind that personal preferences play a significant role in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, so it is essential to consider the sound, feel, and other factors such as keycap and board choices to ensure a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, and choosing between them will depend on individual typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a crunchy feel and a quieter clicky sound, the Box Mute Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for feel and sound profile when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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