Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are two popular options to consider: the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the Gateron New North Pole V2, a linear switch. If you enjoy the satisfying crunchy feel of a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, then the Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. With its slight bump and quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound, typing on these switches is a delightful experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, providing a renewed level of feedback. It maintains the frictionless typing feel that the North Pole lineup is known for, ensuring smoothness and glide. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and Gateron New North Pole V2 both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice gives them a similar sound profile, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by these switches. Additionally, their translucency makes them ideal for RGB lighting, allowing users to create visually appealing setups. Overall, in terms of sound and aesthetics, these switches will provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon material, while the New North Pole V2 sticks with polycarbonate. The presence of nylon in the Box Mute Jade leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 contributes to its overall sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable. The Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller experience. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, which is polycarbonate for both switches, primarily affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the sound heard when letting go of a key will be influenced by the polycarbonate top housing in both switches, resulting in a similar auditory experience in this aspect.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which is more suitable for extended typing sessions. It is worth noting that both switches are slightly on the heavier side, making them more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. However, if a lighter or medium force is desired, the New North Pole V2 would be the preferable option. Overall, the varying actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the New North Pole V2 is slightly longer than the Box Mute Jade. The New North Pole V2 adheres to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, providing a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade offering quicker responsiveness and the longer travel distance of the New North Pole V2 providing a more substantial key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade offers a more subdued clicky sound profile. It still retains the unmistakable clicky sound but at a quieter volume. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 is not mentioned, so it is unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch provides a slight bump, giving it an accentuated tactility without being overwhelming. It is also described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. Furthermore, it is mentioned to have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch also has a polished finish, offering smooth and refined typing experience. It is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery sensation while typing. Additionally, it is mentioned to have a frictionless typing feel, ensuring an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a more subdued clicky sound profile, a slight bump in feel with a polished finish that reduces friction. In comparison, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch provides a polished finish, a creamy typing experience, and a frictionless feel. Despite not having specific information on the sound of the New North Pole V2, it is clear that both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, these switches provide options for a quieter clicky experience or a creamy linear feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches provide a slight bump while offering a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is the way to go. These switches maintain the smoothness and seamless glide that Gateron is known for while delivering a frictionless typing feel. When it comes to sound, the Box Mute Jade has a distinct crunchy sound similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Unfortunately, no specific sound description is provided for the New North Pole V2. In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade offers an accented, stiff, and polished typing experience. The New North Pole V2, on the other hand, provides a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, with the Box Mute Jade exceling in clicky switches and the Gateron New North Pole V2 offering a smooth linear option.
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