Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Cherry MX Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between clicky and linear switches. The Box Mute Jade offers a unique experience with its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy clicky switches but prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is designed for maximum speed with its linear action and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers looking for instant trigger response. Both switches have their own set of characteristics and advantages, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will have a similar deep and full sound profile due to the properties of nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. However, when it comes to the top housing, the Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate material while the MX Speed Silver utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound profile generated by the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver.
In terms of aesthetics, the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear housing that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing may not provide the same level of translucency. This difference in material can impact the overall look and feel of the switches in certain setups where lighting is a key factor. Additionally, the unique sound profiles created by the different housing materials may appeal to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, while both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deep and full sound profile, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Cherry MX Speed Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, aesthetics, and typing experience. The split qualities between the bottom and top housing of each switch will result in distinct tactile and auditory feedback when typing, making the decision between these two switches dependent on individual preferences and priorities.
Weight
In comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces are significantly different. The Box Mute Jade has a much heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the MX Speed Silver's lighter 30 grams. This means that the Box Mute Jade requires more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade also has a heavier force of 82 grams, while the MX Speed Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the MX Speed Silver offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the MX Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the MX Speed Silver due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Box Mute Jade with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver 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 crunchy and clicky sound that is reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that delivers a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Jade switch being quieter and the Speed Silver switch offering a fuller and more bass-heavy sound.
Moving on to feel, the Box Mute Jade switch provides an accented and stiff typing experience with a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver switch offers a textured feel with noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may find preferable for gaming or typing. While the Jade switch focuses on a medium level of tactility and stiffness, the Speed Silver switch prioritizes instant activation and minimal resistance for rapid response times.
Overall, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a crunchy feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a thocky sound and a textured feel for fast-paced gaming or typing, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound, feel, and the specific use case for the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that offers a satisfying clicky sound with a more subdued profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and instantaneous response, especially for gaming purposes, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch would be the better option. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Mute Jade and MX Speed Silver will depend on your specific needs and preferences in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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