Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that combines a satisfying tactile feel with a more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter clicky sound, this switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream is a linear switch known for its heftier typing experience. It provides a fairly deep and textured sound profile without being overly loud. Both switches have their own distinct qualities, and choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream vary in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing generates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. While both materials provide unique sound characteristics, the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate offers a brighter and more distinct tone compared to the Cream's POM.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches use different materials that contribute to the overall sound profile. The Box Mute Jade features a nylon bottom housing, which gives a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon, being softer and more absorbent of sound, creates a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the NovelKeys Cream's POM bottom housing offers a deep and muted sound, which enhances the overall typing experience. Despite using different materials, both switches provide a similar deep and pleasing sound, with the only potential difference being the level of muting produced.
The impact of the housing materials can be felt differently when pressing down and releasing a key. The qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent during the pressing action, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. In contrast, the sound produced when releasing a key is more influenced by the properties of the top housing. Therefore, the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when lifting a key, while the Cream's POM top housing will offer a distinct sound during the release. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying and customizable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter keystroke allowing for longer typing sessions. While the Box Mute Jade offers a heavier typing experience, the NovelKeys Cream provides a mid-heavy option. Both switches offer different weight preferences, allowing users to choose what suits their typing style best.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the NovelKeys Cream has a travel distance of 4 mm. The NovelKeys Cream has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is the most common, while 3.0 mm is considered the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Box Mute Jade with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper keystroke, the NovelKeys Cream with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, the Box Mute Jade offers a more subdued clicky sound. It provides a quieter click compared to other clicky switches, but still retains the unmistakable clicky sound signature. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a deeper sound profile, which is described as low-pitched and resonant. The Cream switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, providing a clean and sharp sound experience. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. In both cases, the switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Box Mute Jade is described as accented, stiff, and polished. The accented feel refers to the switches providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The stiffness of the switches requires more force to actuate and bottom-out, resulting in a more physically demanding typing experience. Additionally, the polished finish of the switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches offer a buttery, textured, and invigorating typing sensation. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. The switches are also described as textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile feedback. Lastly, the Cream switches are considered invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade offers a more subdued clicky sound while still maintaining the clicky signature, and it has an accented, stiff, and polished feel. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches have a deeper and more resonant sound profile, and they offer a buttery, textured, and invigorating typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the feel of a heavy switch and prefer a clicky sound profile that is slightly muted, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a stiff typing experience. The Box Mute Jade switches offer a crunchy feel and a quieter clicky sound compared to other clicky switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, the Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience. They produce a low-pitched sound and have a resonant nature, resulting in a bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade switches are described as accented, stiff, and polished, providing a tactile yet smooth typing experience. Conversely, the NovelKeys Cream switches are described as buttery, textured, and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for weight, sound profile, and typing experience.
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