Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a wide variety of options to choose from. Two popular switches that offer distinct experiences are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the SP-Star Meteor White. The Box Mute Jade is best known for its clicky nature, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Meteor White is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke with a gentle, pitter-patter sound. Both switches have their merits, with the Box Mute Jade appealing to those who enjoy the crunchy feel of a clicky switch, but want a quieter experience, while the Meteor White is perfect for those seeking a soft and gentle typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the SP-Star Meteor White differ significantly. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting setups. On the other hand, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing. Typing on switches with a nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share the same nylon material. The nylon bottom housing on both the Box Mute Jade and the Meteor White offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound experience. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar sound profile.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, they have distinct impacts on the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing is more influential in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing a key. This means that the characteristics brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. As a result, the user will experience the combination of qualities from the respective housing materials when using either the Box Mute Jade or the Meteor White.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Kailh Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, requiring more force to trigger each keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the SP-Star Meteor White switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is also heavier at 82 grams, while the Meteor White has a relatively lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, falling into the medium-light category.
The weight of a switch is a crucial aspect to consider while choosing a suitable option. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force as it allows them to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. This feature is especially desirable for those who use keyboards in work environments or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, craving the satisfaction of a stronger push feel. For these individuals, switches with heavier actuation forces would be more preferable.
In terms of weight, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the heavier option, as both its actuation force and bottom out force are on the higher side. Alternatively, the SP-Star Meteor White provides a lighter experience due to its medium-light bottom out force. Without knowledge of the actuation force of the Meteor White, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is worth noting that if the actuation forces of the two switches happen to be the same or similar, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger each keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it is evident that the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Meteor White has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Meteor White being closer to the standard 4.0 mm distance.
The preference for shorter travel distances has become more popular, particularly among gamers who value quicker response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing or gaming experience, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a greater sense of depth when typing. For those who enjoy a more substantial key press, the Meteor White's slightly longer travel distance might be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these switches should be based on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the individual.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 switch offers a unique and distinctive experience. It has a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The clicky sound is unmistakable but more subdued compared to traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch provides a gentle and pitter-patter sound profile. It is described as neutral, with a moderate sound level suitable for various purposes. However, it also has a thocky characteristic, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch provides an accented tactile experience. It offers a medium amount of tactility, not overwhelming but still noticeable. The switch is also described as stiff, meaning it requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. Additionally, it features a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a milder typing experience. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle feel that most people will find approachable. Similar to the Box Mute Jade, it also boasts a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and SP-Star Meteor White switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy and slightly subdued clicky sound with an accented and stiff tactile feel. Meanwhile, the Meteor White offers a neutral sound profile with both a gentle pitter-patter sound and a thocky characteristic. Its feel is mild and approachable, creating a comfortable typing experience. Both options feature a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying keyboard experience. However, if you enjoy the sound and feel of the Box Mute Jade but prefer a linear switch, you can expect similar results with the Meteor White due to its polished finish and gentle sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier and more tactile switch with a quieter clicky sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its crunchy feel and more subdued sound profile provide a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and smoother switch with a gentle linear feel and sound, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is a great option. Its easy-to-push nature and pitter-patter sound profile offer a soft and subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preferences for weight, tactility, and sound. With the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, you'll get a heavier and more tactile experience, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a lighter and smoother typing feel. All in all, make sure to consider your desired sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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