Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Milky Red Pro offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a crunchy feel with a quieter sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback without the loud clicky noise. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is a linear switch that offers a smooth and affordable typing experience, known for its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound. While the Box Mute Jade is characterized by being accented, crunchy, stiff, and polished, the Milky Red Pro is described as buttery, bassy, thocky, and low-pitched. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Kailh Box Mute Jade stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is also ideal for switches integrating RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Mute Jade and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings also produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effect of the nylon top housing. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the different materials used in the top and bottom housings of these switches, the overall typing experience is likely to be consistent due to the shared qualities of nylon.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of typing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Kailh Box Mute Jade offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) delivers a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a consistent typing experience, with a focus on the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, understanding the properties of different housing materials can help users tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing users with a more solid and robust typing experience. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, offering a smoother and lighter keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Milky Red Pro, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, users seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the heavier actuation force of the Box Mute Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier force is desired for typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we can see that the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Milky Red Pro's 4 mm. The Box Mute Jade's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Milky Red Pro's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milky Red Pro being more standard at 4 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy and subdued clicky sound, resembling stepping on autumn leaves. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound with each key press. The choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Box Mute Jade offering a quieter clicky experience and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) providing a smooth and satisfying thocky sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Box Mute Jade is characterized by its accented tactile feel, stiff actuation requiring more force, and polished smoothness for a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is described as buttery, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation that ensures a seamless and uniform typing experience. The decision between the two switches comes down to whether one prefers a tactile and polished feel with the Box Mute Jade or a buttery smoothness with the Milky Red Pro (KS-3).
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Box Mute Jade provides a unique crunchy clicky sound and an accented tactile feel, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a bassy thocky sound and a buttery smooth keystroke experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for different typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will result in equally enjoyable results based on personal preference.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a heavier and more tactile typing experience with a distinct clicky sound, then the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter keystroke with a low-pitched and buttery thock sound, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is a better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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