Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch to the KTT Miaowu linear switch, there are clear distinctions in their characteristics. The Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy feel with a subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy clicky switches without loud noise. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch boasts enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to KTT's latest molds and the utilization of POK in its stem. Each switch falls into different categories - the Box Mute Jade being accented, crunchy, stiff, polished while the Miaowu is bouncy, clacky. Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a tactile feel, the Box Mute Jade may be the better choice for you. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Miaowu both feature polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing. The Box Mute Jade utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Miaowu also features a nylon bottom housing, further enhancing the switch's sound characteristics with a duller and rounder sound.
The use of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches allows for a consistent sound profile that is crisp and clear. This material's stiffness contributes to the overall resonance and pitch of the sound produced by each key press. However, the difference in bottom housing material between the Box Mute Jade and the Miaowu provides each switch with a unique typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade elicits a deeper sound profile, while the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing offers a rounder and duller sound. These subtle differences can impact the overall typing and auditory experience for the user, catering to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Miaowu offers a balanced sound profile that caters to different preferences. The unique qualities of each housing material contribute to the overall typing experience, with polycarbonate providing a sharp and crisp sound, while nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether it be the impact on bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key from the top housing, each material plays a crucial role in shaping the auditory and tactile feedback of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences due to their varying weight. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Miaowu offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a more lightweight typing experience. The difference in weight between these two switches allows users to choose based on their personal preference for typing comfort and efficiency. If both switches had the same actuation and bottom out forces, users could expect to achieve similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier switch will depend on the individual's typing style and preference for comfort during extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch both offer different travel distances, with the Box Mute Jade having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Miaowu with 3.5 mm. The KTT Miaowu linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch. The difference might seem negligible, but for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Miaowu switch might be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides just a bit more depth, which could be beneficial for individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences regarding travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch provides a clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Box Mute Jade producing a quieter clicky sound while the Miaowu delivers a bright and sharp tone. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade switch provides an accented tactile sensation, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it has a stiff feel, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. The polished finish of the Box Mute Jade contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and enhancing key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu switch offers a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Mute Jade provides a quieter clicky sound and an accented, stiff, and polished tactile experience, the Miaowu delivers a clacky sound and a bouncy keypress sensation. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter and tactile switch, the Box Mute Jade may be the ideal choice, while those seeking a sharper sound and bouncy feel may opt for the Miaowu. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a heavy switch with a crunchy clicky feel and a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smoother keystroke action and a bouncy feel, the KTT Miaowu linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel when typing. Happy typing!
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