Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across two popular options: the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter clicky sound, it offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha stands out as a favorite tactile switch, providing a comfortable and snappy tactility while typing. Its long pole stem ensures a clean bottom-out sound. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and will appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Matcha share similar top housings made of polycarbonate. This material choice creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, perfect for those seeking a higher-pitched typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for users interested in RGB lighting effects. Both switches offer these benefits, allowing users to achieve similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade stands out with its nylon construction. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a duller and rounder sound when pressing down on the Box Mute Jade. In contrast, the Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the Matcha's bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the stiffer polycarbonate material, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing.
In summary, while both switches offer the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the Box Mute Jade stands out with its nylon bottom housing, providing a distinct deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound experience. Understanding the impact of both top and bottom housings is crucial, as the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it becomes clear that these switches offer different experiences. The Box Mute Jade requires a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, while the Matcha only requires 40 grams, making it much lighter. Similarly, the Box Mute Jade has a bottom out force of 82 grams, while the Matcha has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typing on the Box Mute Jade will provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push feel, while the Matcha will offer a lighter and easier keystroke. Those looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions may prefer the lighter Matcha switch, as it requires less force to actuate. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the heavy actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Mute Jade will provide the desired feedback. Overall, the weight of the switches plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience and should be considered based on individual preferences and intended usage.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these travel distances fall within the range of typical switch travel distances. The 4.0 mm travel distance is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, nowadays, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Kailh Box Mute Jade with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key, the KTT Matcha with its longer travel distance may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 switch offers a unique experience. These switches have a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Despite being clicky switches, the sound produced by the Box Mute Jade switches is more subdued compared to other clicky switches. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is described as clacky. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The Matcha switch offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch provides a combination of characteristics. It is described as accented, which means it offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. This switch provides a slight bump that can be felt when typing, adding to the overall tactile experience. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switch is classified as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This can provide a more deliberate typing experience and may require some adjustment if you are used to lighter switches. Lastly, the Box Mute Jade switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience.
The KTT Matcha switch also offers its own unique feel. It is classified as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. This can be felt as some pre-travel and/or post-travel when typing. The Matcha switch is also described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive. This can make the typing experience feel more alive and add to the overall enjoyment. Similar to the Box Mute Jade switch, the Matcha switch is classified as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Matcha switch is described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Mute Jade switch provides a more subdued and crunchy sound profile, with a tactile feel that is accented, stiff, and polished. On the other hand, the Matcha switch offers a clacky sound profile with a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle tactile feel. While both switches have their own unique characteristics, it's important to consider personal preferences and factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used to achieve the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and crisp sound of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter typing experience, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a heavy bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a satisfying and pronounced tactile bump. The sound profile is more subdued compared to other clicky switches, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a snappy tactility and clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is a fantastic option. It has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it feathery and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Matcha switch also exhibits a stepped and accented tactile feel, adding to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences for key weight, sound, and tactile feedback.
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