Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Neptune stand out with their unique characteristics. The Box Mute Jade is favored for its clicky feel, offering a crunchy tactile feedback while maintaining a subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune is praised for its innovative internal structure, providing a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience with a springy resistance akin to chewy delights like mochi. While the Box Mute Jade is accentuated and stiff, the Neptune is described as buttery, gummy, and low-pitched. Both switches have their own advantages, but ultimately, the choice between them depends on individual preferences. However, let's delve further beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Neptune, we see that the Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing while the Neptune has a POM top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more crisp typing experience. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Neptune produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience. While both materials are durable and offer good performance, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon material while the Neptune features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is praised for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, giving a more resonant typing experience. Despite the differences in sound produced, both bottom housings offer solid construction and reliability, enhancing the overall performance of the switches.
It's interesting to note that the split design of having different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches influences the overall typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Neptune showcase how top and bottom housing materials can affect the sound profile of a switch, catering to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Whether it's the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, muted sound of POM, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch reveals significant differences in weight. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing users with a solid and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Neptune offers a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a smoother and less tiring typing experience. Those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming may gravitate towards the Neptune, while users looking for a more substantial key press may opt for the Box Mute Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Neptune switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jade switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may lead to the Neptune switch feeling slightly more substantial when pressed compared to the Jade switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 sound profile reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a muted, low-pitched sound signature that is refined and unobtrusive. While the Jade switch has a more distinct clicky sound, the Neptune switch produces a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Jade switch being more crunchy and the Neptune switch leaning towards a smoother, bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is described as accented and stiff, offering a medium tactile feedback with a higher actuation force requirement. Alternatively, the TTC Neptune switch is described as buttery and frictionless, providing a smooth and almost gummy-like typing sensation. Both switches are polished for a refined key travel experience, with the Jade switch offering a slightly stiffer and more tactile feel compared to the Neptune switch's ultra-light and frictionless keystrokes.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, they both provide a unique typing experience. The Jade switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile bump and crunchy sound, while the Neptune switch is perfect for those seeking a smooth, frictionless keystroke with a muted sound profile. By considering your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force and enjoy the crunchy feel of a clicky switch with a quieter sound profile, then the Box Mute Jade is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, almost frictionless typing experience with a muted sound profile, then the TTC Neptune is the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for key feel, sound, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style.
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