Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with distinct characteristics, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gazzew LT are two options worth considering. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that combines a satisfying crunch with a more subdued sound profile. It offers a slight bump while typing and produces a quieter clicky sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT is a linear switch that boasts a captivating lilac hue and delivers an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. It provides a seamless glide with each keystroke. While these general descriptions can help you gauge your preference, diving deeper into the unique attributes of each switch will enable you to make the best decision for your typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gazzew LT differ in their choice of housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is especially beneficial for those who enjoy using RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal. In contrast, the Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique blend of plastic delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the Box Mute Jade offers a brighter and more resonant sound, the Gazzew LT produces a deeper and more satisfying tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade employs a nylon material, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. In comparison, the Gazzew LT also incorporates the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which shares similarities with its top housing. This "boba plastic" offers a softness that contributes to a rich and deep sound. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Box Mute Jade with its nylon bottom housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gazzew LT presents a sound that is still deep but with a unique richness.
Although the top and bottom housings of the two switches differ, the impact on sound and feel can be attributed to each housing material. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, meaning the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the bottom housing material. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect distinct yet complementary sound profiles from the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gazzew LT, with the bottom housing material playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and the top housing material affecting the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams, indicating that a relatively heavy force is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the LT switch is unavailable, meaning we do not have specific information on this aspect. However, the Box Mute Jade has a bottom out force of 82 grams, which is considered heavy. The LT switch, on the other hand, has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight is crucial for various reasons. Some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enhance their typing experience during extended periods, making it ideal for work keyboards or long gaming sessions. However, there are also users who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these users, opting for switches with heavier forces is recommended. In this context, the Box Mute Jade switch would be suitable for those seeking a heavy actuation and bottom out force. On the contrary, the LT switch provides a slightly lighter bottom out force, making it more suitable for users who prefer a medium-heavy switch. While we do not have specific information on the LT switch's actuation force, it is likely that the Box Mute Jade switch would still offer a heavier actuation force compared to the LT switch, resulting in a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize quick response times. In terms of responsiveness, the LT switch would be the shorter option to go for. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Box Mute Jade with its longer travel distance would be the switch of choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $6.50. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Box Mute Jade and LT.
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
The Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is known for providing a crunchy feel, commonly associated with clicky switches, but with a more subdued sound profile. When typing on these switches, users will experience a slight bump and a quieter, yet still unmistakably clicky, sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness with a seamless glide on each keystroke. The LT switches have an enticing lilac hue and produce a deep and rich sound when pressed, reminiscent of a thud or soft knock, thanks to their bassy and thocky characteristics. While the LT switch's feel is not explicitly described, the Box Mute Jade is known for providing an accented experience, meaning it offers a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switch is described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out, and offers a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch have notable differences in both sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy feel with a subdued clicky sound, while the LT offers a deep and resonant thocky sound. The Box Mute Jade is accented and stiff, providing a medium level of tactility and requiring more force to actuate and bottom out, while the LT switch's feel is unknown. However, it's worth noting that the subjective qualities of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Both switches have their unique characteristics, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and enjoy the satisfying crunchiness of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. These switches provide a subtle sound profile while still delivering that distinctive clicky feel. On the other hand, if you're looking for a visually appealing switch with a deep and resonant thocky sound, the Gazzew LT linear switch is an excellent option. The LTs offer a smooth glide with every keystroke and boast a beautiful lilac hue. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for both sound and feel.
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