Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch and seeking a clicky experience with a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is an excellent option for you. With its distinctive crunchy feel and quieter clicky sound signature, this switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a gummy and muted sound profile, the Gateron North Pole V2 is the perfect choice. Its satisfying chewy typing feel and deep sound make it enjoyable for extended typing sessions. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can accurately assess which switch aligns best with your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron North Pole V2 have similar housing materials in their top housing, namely polycarbonate. This material provides both switches with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Moreover, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer comparable results when it comes to the sound profile and aesthetic appeal of the top housing material.
However, the housing materials for the bottom housing of the two switches differ. The Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This material's stiffness complements the top housing, providing a more clear and resonant sound. It is important to note that the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In summary, while the top housings of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron North Pole V2 share the same polycarbonate material, their bottom housings differ. The Box Mute Jade has a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, while the North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for a more clear and resonant sound. Although their bottom housings offer distinct qualities, both switches deliver similar results in terms of their top housing's sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Mute Jade boasts a heavy actuation force of 75 grams, requiring a substantial push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the North Pole V2 offers a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, allowing for a smoother and easier typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade switch has a weighty bottom out force of 82 grams. This means that when pressed all the way down, there will be a noticeable resistance due to the higher force required. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, falling between the lighter and heavier end of the spectrum.
Considering weight and personal preferences, those seeking a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions may find the North Pole V2 more suitable. The lower actuation force allows for a more effortless typing experience, reducing fatigue and strain on the fingers. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and solid feel, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Mute Jade will provide the desired resistance and tactile feedback.
It is important to note that while the Box Mute Jade switch leans towards the heavier side, and the North Pole V2 towards the lighter side, both switches can still offer a satisfactory typing experience. The similarities lie in the fact that they are both optimized for their respective preferences, providing a range of options to cater to different needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The North Pole V2 falls within the traditional range of travel distance, while the Box Mute Jade offers a slightly shorter travel distance. This can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter travel distances are preferred in those situations. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer the deeper feel provided by the Gateron North Pole V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prioritizes faster response times or a more substantial keystroke depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 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
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is best known for its crunchy feel and more subdued sound profile. When using these switches, you will experience a slight bump and hear a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky sound. The North Pole V2 linear switch, on the other hand, offers a gummy typing feel with a deep and muted sound profile. While the Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy sound similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves, the North Pole V2 offers a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade switch is described as accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is also considered stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. The polished finish of these switches results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch offers a gummy and creamy typing experience. It feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, providing a unique sensation. The creamy switches glide effortlessly and smoothly, offering a silky typing experience. The bouncy nature of these switches gives them a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing rebound when pressed.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Box Mute Jade and the North Pole V2 switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy and subdued clicky sound with an accented and stiff typing feel. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 offers a deep and muted sound along with a gummy, creamy, and bouncy typing feel. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
If you prefer a more subdued sound profile with a medium tactile feel, the Box Mute Jade switch would be a great choice. If you enjoy a deeper and muted sound with a gummy and creamy typing experience, the North Pole V2 switch would be a perfect fit. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of these switches can also vary depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, both switches provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a heavier bottom out force and enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a crunchy sound profile, providing an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and muted typing feel, then the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch would be a better fit. It offers a gummy and creamy typing experience, with a deep and muted sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for clicky switches and heavier force or linear switches with a smoother and more muffled typing experience.
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