Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Brown offer distinct experiences. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that combines the tactile feedback of a slight bump with a subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a crunchy feel without the loud noise typically associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that provides a bump in the keystroke without any audible click. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with the tactile feedback of a bump. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Brown switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switch. The similarities in the top housing material of these switches ensure that users can expect similar sound profiles when typing on either of them.
While both switches share polycarbonate top housings, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite their different top housings, the similar nylon bottom housing ensures that users will experience comparable typing sensations with both switches.
The separation of housing materials in the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Outemu Brown switches contributes to distinct typing experiences. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, impacting the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, adding another layer of complexity to the typing sensation. Understanding the impact of each housing material allows users to choose the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Box Mute Jade is the heavier option with an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is lighter, with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Outemu Brown offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Brown with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Mute Jade would be preferred by those looking for a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch with a longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing which one suits your typing style best.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50, whereas the Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10.
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 offers a unique and distinct crunchy sound profile that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. It provides a more subdued clicky sound compared to other clicky switches, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is not well-known or described in detail. When it comes to the feel, the Box Mute Jade switch offers an accented tactile experience that is not too light or too heavy, providing a satisfying bump with each key press. Additionally, it is considered stiff, requiring a higher actuation force, and polished for a smooth key travel experience. The Outemu Brown switch's tactile feel is not specified in the information provided.
Overall, if you enjoy a crunchy clicky sound with a more subdued profile and a tactile experience that is accented, stiff, and polished, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch would be an excellent choice for you. While the sound and tactile feel of the Outemu Brown switch are unknown, based on the available information, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch offers a unique combination of qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches to ensure you get the best results for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a heavy bottom out force and a crunchy feel with a quieter clicky sound profile, then the Box Mute Jade may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile but quieter typing experience, the Outemu Brown switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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