Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the PH Studio Milk Tea 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 PH Studio Milk Tea offer distinct experiences for users. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and satisfying click of a switch, but prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions, offering a unique blend of high-pitched yet muted sound profile for a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and PH Studio Milk Tea switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound compared to the POM top housing of the Milk Tea. The polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Milk Tea creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a different typing experience for users.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Box Mute Jade uses nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. The nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea. Both switches feature bottom housings that contribute to the overall typing experience, with the Box Mute Jade offering a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel, while the Milk Tea provides a deeper and more muted sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and PH Studio Milk Tea switches differ in material, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings affect the typing experience differently, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, the Box Mute Jade is heavier in both aspects compared to the Milk Tea. The Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. The Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a lighter typing experience, which is more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may become an issue. Both switches provide different tactile experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences when using either switch. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance that can provide a satisfying typing feel without being too shallow or too deep. Ultimately, whether you prefer the clicky feel of the Box Mute Jade or the smoothness of the Milk Tea, you can rest assured that the travel distance will be the same for both, resulting in a comparable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy feel and a quieter click compared to other clicky switches. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique high-pitched yet muted sound profile, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. While the Box Mute Jade gives a more traditional clicky switch experience, the Milk Tea offers a distinct auditory blend that may appeal to those looking for a quieter linear switch with character. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will largely depend on personal sound preferences and how they fit within your overall keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade is described as having an accented feel with a moderate level of tactile feedback, a stiffer actuation force, and a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is noted for its polished surface that enhances smooth key travel and a silky feel that minimizes resistance during key presses and releases. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, but the Box Mute Jade offers a more tactile and stiff typing feel compared to the Milk Tea's lighter actuation force and silky smoothness. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is subjective and should be chosen based on personal typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Box Mute Jade provides a more traditional clicky experience with a crunchy feel and muted click, the Milk Tea switch presents a unique high-pitched yet toned-down sound and a silky smooth typing feel. Whether you prefer the familiar click of the Box Mute Jade or the gentle balance of the Milk Tea, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the best choice will come down to personal preference and how each switch fits into your typing style and overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a heavy, crunchy feel with a quieter clicky sound, the Box Mute Jade is the switch for you. It provides a responsive typing experience with a distinct tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, smoother keypress with a high-pitched yet muted sound, the Milk Tea switch is the better choice. It offers a comfortable typing experience for extended use with its smooth key travel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the sound profile that suits your environment best.
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