Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider their distinct characteristics. The Box Mute Jade is renowned for its clicky feel with a more muted sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch without the loud noise. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea is recognized for its tactile feedback, making it a suitable choice for individuals who prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
N/A
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
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
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
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Milk Tea switches both feature polycarbonate top housings. However, the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. On the other hand, both switches have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing.
Despite the similar nylon bottom housings of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Milk Tea switches, the differences lie in their polycarbonate top housings. While the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound profile, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a brighter and more impactful sound when typing. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing's ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Milk Tea switches work together to create a unique typing experience. With the split between polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, the qualities of each material play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switches. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the softer nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, the brighter sound signature of the Milk Tea's Ly top housing complements the duller and rounder sound created by the nylon bottom housing, offering a different typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it a better option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea makes it a suitable choice for users who prefer typing for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Milk Tea switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade. In general, a shorter travel distance can lead to faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying and deep key press feel. Both switches offer different advantages based on individual preferences, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing or gaming 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 Tea 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 experience with its crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This switch provides a quieter yet distinct clicky sound that is appealing to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound profile is currently unknown, making it difficult to directly compare to the Box Mute Jade in this aspect. When considering sound, it is essential to remember that the overall sound of a switch is influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is accentuated by a tactile bump that offers a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, these switches are known for their stiffness, requiring more force to actuate and providing a polished typing experience with reduced friction. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's tactile feel is currently unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison with the Box Mute Jade in terms of tactile feedback. As with sound, the feel of a switch is influenced by various factors, including typing preferences and typing style.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. If you enjoy a crunchy sound profile and a tactile bump with a medium level of tactility, the Box Mute Jade may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are unsure about the sound and feel characteristics of the Milk Tea switch, it may be advisable to gather more information or try out the switch firsthand to determine its suitability for your typing experience. Overall, both switches have unique attributes that can enhance the typing experience, and selecting the right switch ultimately depends on individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force and enjoy the crunchy feel of a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, then the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique color scheme but don't mind the bottom out force being unspecified, the Outemu Milk Tea could be a good choice. Consider how you like your typing experience to feel and sound, and choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what will provide you with the most enjoyable typing experience.
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