Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey offer unique typing experiences for users with different preferences. The Box Mute Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and satisfying clicky sound of a switch but prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is perfect for users who prioritize a silent typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. While the Box Mute Jade is categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', 'Polished', the Silent Grey does not have specific categories listed. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent Grey, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles when typing on both switches, as the polycarbonate top housing will produce comparable acoustics.
However, the Nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade sets it apart from the Silent Grey, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. As a result, the Box Mute Jade may provide a more satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a softer, more muted sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the Silent Grey's polycarbonate bottom housing. The difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, providing a unique typing experience for users to enjoy.
Overall, while both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent Grey feature polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housing materials differentiate the two switches in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The use of Nylon in the Box Mute Jade's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, adding a level of tactile feedback and a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey's polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a crisper and brighter sound, appealing to users who prefer a sharper typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, as both offer their own unique characteristics for keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provide a noticeable contrast. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force at 75 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade at 82 grams is heavier than the Silent Grey's 65 grams. This means that the Box Mute Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Silent Grey is lighter and allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on the force required, catering to individuals with varying preferences. Ultimately, the lighter Silent Grey switch may be preferable for those seeking a gentler typing experience, while the heavier Box Mute Jade switch is ideal for those who prefer a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Jade switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Grey switch. The 0.4 mm may not seem like much, but it can affect the overall typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Jade switch might appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Grey switch could provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Silent Grey 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a distinctive crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This sound is still clicky but more subdued compared to traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to provide a silent typing experience, making it ideal for quiet environments. While the exact sound profile of the Silent Grey switch isn't specified, it is meant to significantly reduce noise compared to other tactile switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers an accented tactile experience with a noticeable bump but not overly pronounced. The switch is described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and providing a polished feel for a smoother keystroke. The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth key travel. Like the sound profile, the specific tactile characteristics of the Silent Grey switch are not detailed, but it is crafted to offer a satisfying and silent typing experience.
In conclusion, choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a more subtle sound profile and a crunchy tactile feel, the Box Mute Jade is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Silent Grey switch may be the better choice.Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, providing users with a range of options to customize their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a heavy switch with a pronounced tactile bump and a quieter clicky sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience without the clicky noise, then the Outemu Silent Grey switches are the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference in typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Whether you prioritize a satisfying click or a silent but tactile typing experience, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Outemu Silent Grey switches have their own unique attributes to enhance your typing experience.
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