Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options come to mind: the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Cherry MX Silent Red. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch, best known for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback without the loud clicking noise. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a similar typing experience to the MX Red but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Each switch has its own unique characteristics, with the Box Mute Jade being categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished', while the MX Silent Red is described as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Cherry MX Silent Red, one key difference is in the top housing material used. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. This contrast in top housing materials leads to different sound experiences when typing on the switches.
Despite the difference in top housing materials, both the Box Mute Jade and the Cherry MX Silent Red share a nylon bottom housing. This results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound, as nylon has the tendency to create a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. Both switches offer a duller and rounder sound due to the use of nylon in the bottom housing, highlighting a commonality in acoustic qualities despite other differences in the materials used.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade offers a crisper and sharper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Silent Red provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches benefit from a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone. The combination of different housing materials in these switches showcases how material choice can impact the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch differ significantly. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the MX Silent Red, with 75 grams and 82 grams respectively for the former, and 45 grams for the actuation force with an unknown bottom out force for the latter. The Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. In contrast, the lighter actuation force of the MX Silent Red may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is slightly shorter at 3.6mm compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.7mm. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, it can still impact the overall typing experience. For those who prefer a quicker response time and a more shallow keypress, the Box Mute Jade switch would be the better option. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch provides a slightly deeper keypress for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer a similar overall experience in terms of travel distance, but the subtle variation may be noticeable to those with a preference for a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a crunchy and subdued sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crispy autumn leaves, providing a satisfying auditory experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound signature, ensuring a quiet typing experience perfect for noise-sensitive environments. The sound difference between the two switches lies in the crunchy click of the Jade versus the hushed thock of the Silent Red.
In regards to feel, the Box Mute Jade switch offers an accented, stiff, and polished typing experience, providing a medium tactile bump with a smooth and refined key press. The Cherry MX Silent Red switch, on the other hand, boasts a textured feel, with noticeable friction that some users may prefer for enhanced feedback during typing. While both switches offer unique tactile experiences, the Jade switch leans towards a more pronounced bump and polished feel, while the Silent Red switch provides a slightly textured touch with its linear mechanism.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a subdued sound profile that provides a crunchy tactile experience, opt for the Jade switch. Alternatively, if you prefer a linear switch with a significantly quieter sound profile that offers a textured feel during typing, the Silent Red switch may be more suitable for you. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and clicky sound of a switch but prefer a quieter profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience without sacrificing the smooth linear feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a distinct audible feedback or prioritize a noise-sensitive environment. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and environment.
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