Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Red 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 Red offer distinct typing experiences. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch known for its crunchy tactile feedback and subdued sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy the sensation of typing on a clicky switch without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is a linear switch that provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, offering a more straightforward typing experience. While the Box Mute Jade is characterized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished', the Red doesn't have any specific characteristics listed. If you value a tactile typing experience with a quieter sound, the Box Mute Jade may be the switch 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
46g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users looking for a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the unique design and construction of each switch may still result in subtle differences in overall sound and feel.
In terms of bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Outemu Red also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This material choice impacts the overall typing experience, giving users a different tactile and auditory feedback when using the switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches emphasizes the importance of material selection in influencing the overall sound profile.
While both switches share similar characteristics in their housing materials, the division between top and bottom housing qualities can still play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Red each highlight specific qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective top and bottom housings, resulting in variations in sound and feel. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the switches can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing dynamics and overall performance. Ultimately, while the housing materials may be similar, the unique design and construction of each switch will ultimately dictate the user experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear 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, while the Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. In contrast, the Outemu Red offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue can be a factor. Both switches have their own advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Box Mute Jade being suitable for those who prefer heavier forces and the Outemu Red being more suitable for those who prefer lighter forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Red switch has a longer travel distance than the Jade switch. The shorter travel distance of the Jade switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances are becoming more popular. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Red switch may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects 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 Red 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 switches are best suited for those who enjoy a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The sound is more subdued compared to traditional clicky switches but still maintains that unmistakable clicky sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switches do not have a specific sound description provided, indicating a lack of distinctive characteristics in terms of sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches are described as having an accented feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They are also noted for being stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches, which can result in a more controlled typing experience. Additionally, these switches are polished, offering a smooth and refined key travel experience with reduced friction. The Outemu Red linear switches, unfortunately, do not have a specific feel description provided, leaving uncertainty about their tactile characteristics.
Overall, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a crunchy feel and a quieter sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switches would be a suitable choice for you. These switches offer a unique typing experience with their accented tactile feedback and polished key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switches may provide a smoother and more consistent typing experience due to their linear nature, although specific details about their sound and feel qualities are unknown. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and quieter click of the Box Mute Jade, along with a heavier bottom out force, then this switch is the way to go for a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth linear typing experience without any tactile feedback, then the Outemu Red switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
