Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in comparisons are the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch. The Box Mute Jade is best known for its accented, crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile. If you enjoy the satisfying clicky sensation with a quieter sound, then this switch is perfect for you. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is all about subtlety. With a relatively light typing experience, gentle tactility, and subdued audio feedback, these switches offer a more textured and bassy feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, but let's dive in deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Cherry MX Brown differ in their housing materials. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, while the MX Brown has a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials offer unique characteristics, those seeking a clearer and more vibrant sound may prefer the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade, while those who enjoy a mellower and rounder sound may lean towards the nylon top housing of the MX Brown.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Mute Jade and the MX Brown utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound. With its softer plastic composition, the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Thus, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing does not solely dictate the sound and feel of a switch. Other factors, such as the spring, also play a role in determining the overall typing experience.
In summary, the polycarbonate top housing of the Kailh Box Mute Jade provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Brown absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings that create a duller and rounder sound. While the housing materials contribute to the overall sound profiles of the switches, other factors such as springs and keycaps also play a significant role in determining the typing experience. Ultimately, whether one prefers the Box Mute Jade or the MX Brown will depend on their personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the MX Brown's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Box Mute Jade requires more force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is heavier at 82 grams, while the MX Brown has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams.
Considering the weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might opt for the MX Brown switch. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. This would be particularly suitable for individuals who need to type for long periods, such as those bringing their keyboards to work or engaging in extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a greater sense of tactile feedback and may be preferred by users who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. These switches are well-suited for those who prioritize a more robust and satisfying keystroke.
It is worth noting that both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preference. Individuals seeking a lighter touch may achieve similar results with the MX Brown switch, while those desiring a heavier and more tactile experience may favor the Box Mute Jade switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on the desired typing experience and individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade.
In terms of preferences, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered shallower. However, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this case, the Box Mute Jade with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice.
On the other hand, some individuals may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance as it provides a more satisfying and substantial feel. For those who enjoy a deeper keystroke, the MX Brown's longer travel distance can offer a more pronounced tactile experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Box Mute Jade and the MX Brown will depend on personal preferences for travel distance. If a shorter and more responsive keystroke is desired, the Box Mute Jade would be the preferable option. However, for those who prefer a longer and more substantial feel, the MX Brown with its slightly longer travel distance would be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50, whereas the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00.
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 Box Mute Jade switch offers a more subdued clicky experience. The sound of these switches can be described as crunchy, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch provides a more bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This results in a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade switch provides a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It can be described as accented, providing a noticeable bump when typing. Additionally, these switches are also stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. The switch's polished finish ensures smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch is known for its textured feel, which offers noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch and the Cherry MX Brown switch offer different subjective qualities. The Box Mute Jade switch provides a quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound profile, with a crunchy feel and a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch offers a more bassy and low-pitched sound with a textured feel. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but with different levels of tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy the qualities of the Box Mute Jade switch but want a quieter sound, you can also achieve similar results by dampening the sound of the MX Brown switch.
Conclusion
In closing, if you enjoy the satisfying crunch and click of a switch but prefer a quieter typing experience, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 82 grams, these switches offer a heavier typing feel. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switches provide a medium tactile experience that is accented and not overwhelming, thanks to their well-polished and smooth finish. On the other hand, if you value subtlety and a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light feel. The MX Browns provide a gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, making them perfect for those seeking a more understated typing experience. It is important to note that the Box Mute Jade switches have a crunchier sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, while the MX Browns offer a bassy and low-pitched sound. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience you seek.
Mentioned in this article
