Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, to the Cherry Nixie, a linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is favored for its substantial heft and textured typing feel, blending tradition with modern innovation. While the Box Mute Jade is categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', 'Polished', the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched'. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Cherry Nixie, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when bottoming out keys. However, the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing in the Box Mute Jade sets it apart from the Nixie, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Box Mute Jade not only affects the sound profile but also offers an aesthetic advantage due to its translucency, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Nixie utilizes nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound profile of the Box Mute Jade. This difference in top housing material showcases how the choice of material can influence the overall typing experience, from sound to feel. Despite this variation, both switches share the commonality of using nylon in their bottom housing, emphasizing the importance of housing material in determining the sound characteristics of a switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Cherry Nixie play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While both switches use nylon in their bottom housing, creating a deep and full sound, the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing in the Box Mute Jade provides a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Nixie's nylon top housing. This distinction highlights how the combination of different housing materials can result in varying sound characteristics, adding another layer of complexity to the typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch differ significantly. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the Nixie's lighter 63.5 grams. However, both switches have a heavy bottom out force, with the Box Mute Jade at 82 grams and the Nixie at 80 grams. This means that while the Nixie requires less force to trigger a keystroke, both switches will provide a similar amount of resistance when fully pressed down. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Nixie for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier feel of the Box Mute Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, we can see that the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Nixie's 4 mm. The Box Mute Jade offers a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, which can be favorable for gamers seeking faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Nixie provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, offering a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more feedback. Both switches fall within the range of popular travel distances and will deliver comparable results depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to whether you prioritize a faster response time or a more tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is characterized by a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for producing a thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience. While the Box Mute Jade provides a quieter clicky sound, the Nixie delivers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Mute Jade ideal for those seeking a subdued clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie appealing to fans of a more traditional but modernized typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers an accented tactile experience, providing a medium level of tactility without being overpowering. The switch is also described as stiff, requiring a higher actuation force compared to other switches, and polished, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is noted for its textured feel, which may appeal to users who enjoy switches with noticeable friction when pressed.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, they both cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer the crunchy feel and subdued clicky sound of the Box Mute Jade or the textured and substantial heft of the Cherry Nixie, both switches provide a unique typing experience that can be enhanced further by pairing them with the right keyboard and keycaps. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a crunchy and clicky typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and satisfying thocky sound with a low-pitched tone and a textured typing experience, then the Cherry Nixie linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences in sound and feel while typing. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your preferences for a superior typing experience.
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