Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Mallo are excellent options to consider. The Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy feel of a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy tactile feedback without the loud noise typically associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switches provide a subtle tactile feedback that strikes a balanced chord for typists, with a gentle tactility that's just noticeable enough to provide feedback without being overpowering. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Mallo are quite similar in terms of the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic, leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches planning to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on switches with polycarbonate top housing, whether it be the Box Mute Jade or the Mallo.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Box Mute Jade features a nylon bottom housing, while the KTT Mallo also utilizes nylon in its bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material, offering a unique typing experience for each switch.
Overall, while both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the different bottom housing materials (nylon for the Box Mute Jade and KTT Mallo) offer distinct typing experiences. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials means that users will feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on the switch, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing material. Ultimately, users can choose between the Box Mute Jade and the KTT Mallo based on their preferred sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Mute Jade is heavier in terms of actuation force compared to the Mallo. The Box Mute Jade requires 75 grams to actuate and 82 grams to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo's actuation force is unknown, but it requires only 55 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a lighter typing feel. For users who enjoy a lighter touch, the Mallo would be the ideal choice, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, for users who prefer a more forceful typing experience, the Box Mute Jade would be the better option. In both cases, the user would get similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force, although with different weight preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, making it a shorter travel distance compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The Box Mute Jade offers a quicker response time for gamers who prefer shorter travel distances, while the Mallo provides a more substantial depth for those who enjoy a longer travel distance feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference for response speed and key feel. Ultimately, the Box Mute Jade is shorter while the KTT Mallo is longer, catering to different preferences in switch travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound signature, striking a balance between not being completely silent, yet still offering a more subtle sound compared to other switches. The sound produced by each switch adds to the overall typing experience, and can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Box Mute Jade switch provides an accented tactile experience with a noticeable bump that is not overpowering. Additionally, the switch offers a stiffer typing feel, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out. The polished finish of the switch ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by its feathery and mild tactile feel, requiring little exertion and offering a gentle typing experience. The switch also features a stepped design, providing a more subtle tactility that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The overall typing feel of each switch contributes to the overall typing experience and comfort level for the user.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy sound profile and accented tactile feel, the KTT Mallo offers a neutral sound signature and a feathery tactile experience. Both switches aim to provide a balanced typing experience, with the Box Mute Jade leaning towards a more pronounced tactile and audible feedback, while the KTT Mallo focuses on a more subtle and gentle typing feel. Depending on individual preferences and typing environments, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier actuation force, a pronounced tactile bump, and a clicky sound profile, then the Box Mute Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a subtle tactile feedback, and a neutral sound profile, then the Mallo would be more suited to your typing style. Consider your typing habits, environment, and desired feel and sound when choosing between these two excellent mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing versatile options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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