Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent White 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 White serve as excellent examples of different switch types. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying click with a more subdued sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy tactile feedback without loud noise. On the other hand, the Silent White is a linear switch that provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click. While the Box Mute Jade is categorized as accented, crunchy, stiff, and polished, the Silent White doesn't fall under any specific category. Each switch offers unique benefits and reasons for choosing them, providing a different typing experience. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent White, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also offers a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it suitable for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Box Mute Jade and Silent White differ in their bottom housing material. The Box Mute Jade uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent White also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a similar effect of absorbing more sound for a rounder sound.
Despite their similarities in having a polycarbonate top housing, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent White showcase differences in their sound profiles due to their respective bottom housing materials. The Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing contributes to a more resonant and deeper sound when typing, while the Silent White's nylon bottom housing also enhances the sound profile by absorbing more sound for a rounder tone. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent White both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, but differentiate themselves with nylon bottom housings that produce distinct sound profiles. Overall, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help individuals choose a switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is heavier than the Outemu Silent White linear switch in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Mute Jade requires a higher actuation force of 75 grams compared to the Silent White's 45 grams, making it more substantial to type on. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is 82 grams, while the Silent White bottoms out at 60 grams. Those who prefer a more tactile and heavy typing experience may lean towards the Box Mute Jade, whereas those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Silent White. Ultimately, the weight preferences for actuation and bottom out force will determine which switch is more suitable for individual typing needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Box Mute Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent White. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing feel between the two switches. Those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press may find the Box Mute Jade more suitable, while users looking for a slightly faster response may lean towards the Outemu Silent White. 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 White 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 unique "crunchy" sound profile that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, making it a satisfying choice for those who enjoy a more subtle clicky experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Box Mute Jade switch is characterized by an accentuated tactile bump that is not overly pronounced, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too sharp or subtle. Additionally, these switches require a higher actuation force, giving them a stiffer feel, and their polished finish ensures a smooth key travel. In contrast, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent White switch is currently unavailable.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique and subdued clicky sound along with a tactile but not overly pronounced feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch would be a great choice. However, if you are interested in the Outemu Silent White switch, it is important to gather more information on its sound and feel characteristics to determine if it aligns with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and experimenting with them on various keyboards and keycap setups will help you find the perfect fit for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and the clicky sound of a mechanical keyboard switch but prefer a quieter experience, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more silent typing experience without sacrificing the linear feel, the Outemu Silent White switch with its lower actuation force might be a better fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider what matters most to you in a keyboard switch before making your final selection.
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