Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and HMX Lotus offer distinct experiences. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus provides a smooth and consistent typing experience with a bouncy feeling thanks to its linear design. If you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and clicky sound, the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. However, if you value a smooth keystroke and consistent feel, the HMX Lotus may be more suited to your 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
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Lotus, it is clear that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. However, they differ in terms of their top housing material. The Box Mute Jade utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Lotus features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Lotus play a significant role. The Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing, while not translucent, still offers a classic look. Both switches maintain a sleek and professional appearance, but the choice between a clear and solid housing material will depend on personal preference and the intended use of the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Lotus contribute differently to the sound profile of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade results in a clearer and more resonant sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Lotus produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of housing materials used, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch differ significantly. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Lotus would be the more favorable option, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Box Mute Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly longer than the HMX Lotus linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, but the Box Mute Jade offers just a bit more depth when pressed. Gamers looking for a faster response time may lean towards the Lotus due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience may opt for the Box Mute Jade. Overall, both switches offer comparable travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 quieter yet still distinct clicky sound, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch provides a bright and resonant sound profile that adds a bounce to each keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound, the Box Mute Jade offers a more subdued option while the Lotus provides a more lively auditory experience. Your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is described as having an accented tactile feel, providing a noticeable bump without being overwhelming. The switch also has a stiffer actuation force, requiring more pressure to press the keys. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switch is polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, information about the feel of the HMX Lotus linear switch is not provided. It's essential to consider how much tactile feedback and resistance you prefer in a switch when deciding between the two.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a quieter clicky sound with an accented and polished tactile feel, ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. The HMX Lotus, on the other hand, offers a bright and resonant sound profile with a potentially different feel that is not specified. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, tactile feedback, and actuation force, you can choose between these two switches to achieve your desired typing experience. Keep in mind that other factors such as keyboard construction and keycaps will also influence the overall feel and sound of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavy switch with a distinct clicky sound but want a quieter profile, the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bouncy feel and a bright sound, the Lotus may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference for key feel, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns best with your preferences.
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