Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch, there are clear differences in their characteristics and features. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the crunchy feel of a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which helps absorb more sound and produce a duller and rounder tone. Thus, typing on either switch will result in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as both bottom housings share the same material qualities.
On the other hand, the top housing of the Kailh Box Mute Jade is made of polycarbonate, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Silent Yellow Jade. This difference in housing material contributes to a distinct typing experience for each switch, with the Box Mute Jade offering a more resonant and clear sound, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a softer and more muted tone.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to recognize that the qualities of the top and bottom housings influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience, shaping the sound and feel of each keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that they have significant differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Mute Jade has a much heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing periods. The actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade is lower than the Box Mute Jade, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Box Mute Jade is a better option for those who prefer a heavier and more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm which is longer compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Box Mute Jade provides a slightly longer keystroke experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a slightly shorter keystroke for those who prefer a quicker response time. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances with the Box Mute Jade leaning towards the traditional side and the Silent Yellow Jade catering to those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Yellow Jade 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 considering the sound of the switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade provides a unique crunchy sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, making it a suitable choice for those who enjoy a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Box Mute Jade. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is characterized as having an accented and stiff feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming. The switch is also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to either the materials used or factory lubing. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is not explicitly described in the provided information, so direct comparisons in terms of feel may be challenging without further details.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. The Box Mute Jade is favored for its crunchy sound and accented, stiff feel, making it a suitable option for those seeking a clicky switch with a subtle sound profile and medium tactility. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quieter, tactile typing experience with a "thocky" sound, although specifics on the feel are not provided. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a crunchy, clicky switch with a heavier bottom out force and a more subdued sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize the clicky feel of the Box Mute Jade or the tactile experience of the Silent Yellow Jade, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and enjoy a personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
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