Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Milk Blue 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 Milk Blue both offer unique features to consider. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, providing a crunchy feel with a quieter click. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch doesn't have a specific standout feature but still offers a satisfying clicky feel. If you value a more distinct sound and tactile feedback, the Box Mute Jade 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
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Milk Blue switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches also allows for better RGB lighting illumination due to its translucency. However, despite using the same material for the top housing, the actual design and construction of the housing may vary between the two switches, leading to slight differences in sound and feel.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade and the Milk Blue switches offers a different experience in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While both switches share this nylon bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may still differ based on other factors such as switch design and spring weight.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Milk Blue switches allows for a unique typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials impacts the sound profile of the switches in different ways, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite some similarities in materials used, the design and construction of the switches play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience and sound profile for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Box Mute Jade is heavier in both aspects. The Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Blue is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams, although the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Milk Blue, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Box Mute Jade is better suited for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Blue has a longer travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade. The shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milk Blue might provide a more satisfying feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Milk 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
Overall, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a unique combination of a crunchy feel with a subdued sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy clicky switches but prefer a quieter typing experience. The switch provides a slight bump in feel and a more refined sound compared to traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, not much information is available on the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, so it may be more challenging to make a direct comparison. However, based on the qualities of the Box Mute Jade, if the Milk Blue switch offers similar characteristics such as a satisfying tactile feel and a distinct clicky sound, users can expect a comparable experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a newcomer to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, it can be overwhelming to choose between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and enjoy a crunchy feel with a quieter sound profile, then the Box Mute Jade may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if bottom out force is not a major factor for you and you are looking for a different type of clicky switch, the Milk Blue could also be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel when typing.
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