Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent Ocean 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 Silent Ocean offer two distinct experiences. The Box Mute Jade is lauded for its crunchy feel and clicky sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback without the loud noise typically associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a smooth and quiet typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more understated switch. While the Box Mute Jade is categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished', the Silent Ocean has no specific standout features. 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
45g
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
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 comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing. However, the differences lie in the bottom housing material, with the Box Mute Jade featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Silent Ocean also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The split between the housing materials in the switches affects the overall sound and feel of typing. The Box Mute Jade's use of polycarbonate for the top housing will impact the sound when a key is released, while the nylon bottom housing will contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing will influence the sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing will affect the bottom-out experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience with a combination of sharp, high-pitched sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and deep, full sounds from the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent Ocean provide distinct characteristics to the typing experience. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper sound profile, the use of nylon in the bottom housing sets them apart. The Box Mute Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Ocean provides a similar experience with its own nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile with sharp tones or a fuller sound with rounder tones, both switches offer unique options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Box Mute Jade is heavier in both regards. The Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams, which is significantly higher than the 45 grams of the Silent Ocean. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is 82 grams, while the Silent Ocean only requires 65 grams to bottom out. This means that the Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, whereas the Silent Ocean offers a lighter touch for smoother typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we can see that the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Silent Ocean's 4 mm. The Box Mute Jade is preferred by those who value quicker response times, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean with its longer travel distance may be more suited for individuals who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Ocean 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 has a distinctive crunchy sound that is quieter compared to other clicky switches, giving you that satisfying tactile feedback without being too loud. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is not available at this time, so it is hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Both switches can provide a unique typing experience, but the Box Mute Jade excels in offering a more subdued clicky sound.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers an accented tactile experience with a noticeable bump during key presses, providing a satisfying typing feel. Additionally, this switch is stiff, requiring more force to actuate and providing a polished typing experience with smooth key travel. On the contrary, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is currently unavailable. If we were to make assumptions based on the name "Silent Ocean," it may suggest a smooth and quiet typing experience, but without specific details, it is difficult to directly compare the feel of these two switches.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter clicky switch with a crunchy sound and a tactile typing experience, the Box Mute Jade would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a silent and smooth linear switch, the Silent Ocean might be more suitable. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the feeling of a crunchy clicky switch with a quieter sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a smooth typing experience and no audible click, then the Outemu Silent Ocean would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or prefer a silent and smooth typing experience. Consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best match for your needs.
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