Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a satisfying tactile feedback and a more subdued sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the perfect switch for you. With its accented and crunchy feel, typing on these switches provides a rewarding experience. While still unmistakably clicky, the sound produced by these switches is quieter, making it ideal for those seeking a less disruptive keyboard. On the other hand, if you crave a visually appealing switch that stands out in the dark, the Gateron Luciola is an excellent choice. These switches not only glow in the dark but also offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel, making each keystroke a delight. With its hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, the Luciola adds an extra touch of excitement to your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

Gateron Luciola Linear

$6.50 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Luciola differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic material provides a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize a high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Although not as sharp as polycarbonate, this housing material still offers a satisfying and clacky sound experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This makes the Box Mute Jade a suitable choice for individuals seeking a more mellow typing experience. Similarly, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which also contributes to the switch's pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Although the specific qualities of the INK blend may differ slightly from the nylon used in the Box Mute Jade, both materials create a satisfying clacky sound.

When considering the impact of the different housing materials, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play separate roles in the overall sound and feel of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will primarily highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the choice of nylon or INK blend in the bottom housing will have a more significant effect on the typing experience. On the other hand, the sound heard when letting go of a key is mainly influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, the polycarbonate of the Box Mute Jade and the INK blend of the Luciola will both contribute to a distinct sound when releasing a key, although with subtle differences in pitch and sharpness.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, while the Luciola has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade is also heavier at 82 grams, while the Luciola is slightly lighter at 60 grams.

These variances in force can greatly impact the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Luciola offers a smoother and easier keystroke, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces provide a lighter touch and reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade is better suited for those seeking a more intense and tactile typing experience. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Mute Jade require more force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in a more substantial and satisfying keypress.

It is important to note that both switches have distinct characteristics, and selecting the right one depends on personal preference and typing style. For individuals who prefer a lighter switch, the Luciola provides similar results to the Box Mute Jade in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. However, those who prefer a heavier switch will find the Box Mute Jade to be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to individual preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch are both 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. So, in terms of the travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. They are equally suitable for individuals who prefer a travel distance of 3.6 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is best described as crunchy. This means that when you press the switch, it produces a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola has multiple sound profiles. It can be clacky, which is a sharp and snappy sound, chirpy with a little squeak, marbly with a resonant and high-pitched sound, or high-pitched for a crisp and sharp sound. Overall, the Box Mute Jade offers a more subdued clicky sound, while the Luciola can provide different types of distinctive and attention-catching sounds.

When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade is described as accented, meaning it provides a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is also considered stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. Additionally, it is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola offers a snappy typing feel, indicating super responsiveness. It is also buttery, meaning it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Like the Box Mute Jade, it is also polished for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience but with slightly different levels of tactility and force required.

In conclusion, if you prefer a clicky switch with a quieter sound profile and a crunchy feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the recommended choice. However, if you prefer a switch that offers multiple distinctive sound profiles, along with a snappy and buttery typing feel, the Gateron Luciola is a great option. Both switches are polished for smooth key travel. Keep in mind that the sound and feel can also be influenced by other factors such as your keyboard board and keycaps.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you enjoy a heavy bottom-out force and prefer a quieter clicky switch with a crunchy sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the ideal choice for you. The Box Mute Jade offers a subtle clicky sound and a slight bump for tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a visually appealing switch that glows in the dark, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the one to go for. The Luciola provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. Overall, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize the weight of keypresses and a subdued clicky sound (Box Mute Jade) or a visually attractive switch and a unique sound profile (Luciola). However, both switches offer polished finishes, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more