Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Purple offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a switch, but prefer a quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple provides a tactile typing experience without the audible click. If you value a tactile response without the noise, the Purple 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
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
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
In terms of housing materials, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Purple use polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that both switches will have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, despite their similarities in top housing material, the sound profiles of the two switches may differ due to other factors such as stem design and spring weight.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Box Mute Jade uses nylon while the Outemu Purple also utilizes nylon. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite any differences in the stem design or actuation force, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Purple ensures a balanced sound profile with a mix of sharpness and fullness. While the top housing affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Despite any slight variations in sound due to other factors, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile from both switches.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch with an actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade requires 82 grams while the Purple switch has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Box Mute Jade switch is both heavier to actuate and bottom out on compared to the Outemu Purple switch. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Purple switch would be the better choice as it requires less force to actuate. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and weighted typing feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Purple switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch. The shorter travel distance of the Jade switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Purple switch may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation feel. Both switches offer unique experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance when typing or gaming.
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 Purple 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, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Mute Jade offers a unique experience with its crunchy sound profile and accented, stiff, and polished feel. On the other hand, there is limited information available about the Outemu Purple switch in terms of both sound and feel. However, based on the described qualities of the Box Mute Jade, it is safe to say that users may expect a more subdued and quiet sound profile with a noticeable tactile bump and smooth key travel from the Outemu Purple tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the crunchy feel and quiet click of a switch, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with an undefined feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch might be more to your liking. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect fit for your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so make your decision based on what best suits your needs.
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