Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Mint

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Mint. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch, known for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile. If you enjoy the satisfyingly tactile experience of clicking keys, but prefer a quieter typing experience, then the Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, the Mint offers a smooth linear switch that provides a poppy thockiness while typing. With its light and fleeting type feel, this switch delivers a different level of satisfaction. Both switches are polished and offer their unique characteristics, catering to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

KTT Mint Linear

$6.50 per 10

$2.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Mint both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the clear housing of polycarbonate is useful for those planning to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will deliver similar results when it comes to sound and lighting effects, thanks to their polycarbonate top housings.

However, the differences arise when we look at their nylon bottom housings. The Box Mute Jade uses nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of the plastic. The nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Mint also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering the same attributes of a deeper and fuller sound.

When using a switch with different top and bottom housings, it's important to note that the qualities of each housing material will be split between the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. As such, pressing down on the Box Mute Jade will provide a typing experience with the characteristics of its nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, releasing a key will showcase the influence of the polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper and crisper sound. The Mint will offer a similar experience, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a deep sound while bottoming out, and the polycarbonate top housing adding a distinctive sound upon key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is clear 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 a substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. While the Box Mute Jade offers a heavier feel for those who prefer it, the Mint provides a medium-light touch. It is important to consider weight preferences when choosing between these switches, as some may prefer the lighter touch for extended use, while others may enjoy the more forceful sensation of the heavier switches.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is evident that the Mint has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Box Mute Jade offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Mint switch, you will have to exert slightly more force and travel a slightly longer distance compared to the Box Mute Jade.

Typically, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is on the shallower end of the spectrum. However, the preference for shorter travel distances has become more prevalent, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you are someone who values quick and responsive key presses, the shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press with a deeper travel, the Mint switch with its longer travel distance could be more appropriate.

In essence, choosing between the two switches depends on your personal preferences and requirements. If you prioritize faster response times and a lighter touch, the Box Mute Jade with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable option. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial and deliberate key press, the Mint switch's longer travel distance may provide the depth you desire. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique experiences, and understanding the implications of their travel distances will assist in making an informed decision.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch offers a unique experience with a crunchy sound profile. These clicky switches produce a satisfying sound that can be compared to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the sound of the KTT Mint switch is described as low-pitched and neutral. The low-pitched characteristic gives the Mint switch a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a pleasant typing experience. Additionally, the neutral sound profile of the Mint switch makes it suitable for various environments, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch provides an accented tactile experience without being overly tactile. This means that you'll feel a noticeable bump while typing, but it won't be overwhelming. These switches can be described as stiffer, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. However, they also offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Mint switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel that many users find approachable. With a polished finish, the Mint switch also ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering all the available information, if you prefer a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile and crunchy feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you're looking for a linear switch with a satisfyingly smooth typing experience, the KTT Mint switch would be a suitable option. Both switches offer a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

In closing, if you enjoy a more subdued sound profile with a crunchy feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its heavier bottom out force and accented, stiff, and polished feel, this switch provides a prominent level of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy sound that resembles stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear switch with a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Mint switch is the way to go. With its long pole stem, you can expect a satisfyingly smooth typing experience that gives a poppy thockiness. The Mint switch also has a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. Furthermore, it has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

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KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more