Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Cream Blue mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note that both are clicky switches. The Box Mute Jade is best known for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, offering users a quieter but still satisfyingly clicky experience. On the other hand, the Cream Blue does not have a distinct characteristic it is best known for, offering a more standard clicky switch experience. If you prefer a more pronounced click and a stiffer feel, the Box Mute Jade may be the better choice for you. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, it is apparent that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, as the nylon material in the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining these qualities.
On the other hand, the top housings of the Box Mute Jade and the Cream Blue switches differ, with the former featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the latter using a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, nylon top housings produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. Therefore, the sound experience when releasing a key may vary between the two switches, with the Box Mute Jade likely to provide a crisper sound compared to the Cream Blue.
Overall, while both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Cream Blue switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they differ in their top housing materials. This contrast in housing materials results in different sound profiles for the two switches, with the Box Mute Jade likely to offer a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Cream Blue is expected to produce a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the specific sound profile and typing experience that users prefer.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a much heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch. The Box Mute Jade requires 75 grams of force to actuate and 82 grams of force to bottom out, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the Cream Blue only requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams of force to bottom out, making it a lighter option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Blue would be the better choice, as it allows for easier typing for longer periods of time. However, for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, the Box Mute Jade would provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm while the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Cream Blue switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact your typing experience. The Box Mute Jade will provide a slightly shorter travel distance, which could be preferred for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Cream Blue switch offers a bit more depth in the keypress, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance in keyboard switches.
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 Cream Blue 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 crunchy sound profile that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This sound is more subdued compared to traditional clicky switches, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is currently unavailable, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade switch provides a tactile feedback described as accented, meaning it offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming. Additionally, these switches are noted for their stiffness, requiring a higher actuation force which can result in a more deliberate typing experience. The polished finish of the Box Mute Jade also contributes to a smooth and refined keystroke. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the Cream Blue switch are currently unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two switches in this regard.
Overall, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a unique crunchy sound and a tactile feel with a medium level of feedback and increased stiffness, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you are specifically interested in the Outemu Cream Blue switch, while information on its sound and feel may be limited, it is important to consider how these qualities align with your personal preferences before making a decision. Ultimately, both switches are likely to offer a satisfying typing experience, but the specific nuances of their sound and feel may vary.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switches and Outemu Cream Blue clicky switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, then the Box Mute Jade would be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a unique tactile feel, then the Cream Blue might be more suitable. Consider these factors carefully before making your decision to ensure you choose the switch that best fits your typing preferences.
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