Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it's evident that they each offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Box Mute Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter sound profile. With a noticeable bump and a more subdued clicking sound, this switch provides a crunchy feel without the loud noise associated with traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow offers a tactile typing experience without any specific standout features. If you're looking for a switch that simply provides a satisfying tactile response without any added accents, the Cream Yellow may be the way to go. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Cream Yellow, we see that they both feature nylon bottom housings. This implies that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Cream Yellow also boasts a nylon top housing, while the Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, providing a clear and resonant sound that is especially useful for RGB lighting.
The use of different materials for the top housing in the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Cream Yellow results in distinct sound profiles when typing or releasing a key. The Cream Yellow, with its nylon top housing, will offer a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on a key compared to the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound when the key is released. Essentially, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced upon key release, while the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience with their use of nylon in the bottom housing.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Cream Yellow share nylon bottom housings, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing results in a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly suited for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a rounder and duller tone. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, showcasing how housing materials influence sound quality in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is clear that the Cream Yellow is lighter in both categories. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who like lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Box Mute Jade offers a heavier typing experience, the Cream Yellow offers a lighter touch, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Box Mute Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. This means that the Box Mute Jade will provide a more pronounced keypress feel, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference as to which one is the better option for you.
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 Yellow 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
Overall, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is best suited for those who enjoy a crunchy feel with a quieter click sound, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too loud. The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, on the other hand, lacks information on both sound and feel, making it difficult to directly compare to the Box Mute Jade. However, based on the available descriptions, the Cream Yellow switch may offer a medium tactile feel with potentially similar smoothness to the Box Mute Jade. When choosing between these two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of both sound and feel, so it's recommended to try them out firsthand if possible to determine which switch better suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a heavy bottom-out force and a crunchy feel with a quieter sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom-out force and a tactile feel that is not too overwhelming or subtle, then the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is the way to go. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and actuation force when making your decision to ensure that you choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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