Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a wide variety of options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular switches that are frequently compared are the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch. The Box Mute Jade is best suited for those who enjoy the satisfying clicky sound of a mechanical switch but prefer a quieter typing experience. With its accented feel and crunchy sound profile, this switch provides a tactile bump while keeping noise levels to a minimum. On the other hand, the Tom switch offers a tactile typing experience without any specific standout features. While the Box Mute Jade is characterized by its polished and stiff feel, the Tom switch does not fall into any particular category. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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 terms of housing materials, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Tom utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite using the same material for the top housing, the two switches may still offer slightly different sound profiles based on their design and construction.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Mute Jade and the Tom opt for nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature, which effectively absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. While both switches share this characteristic, subtle differences may still exist in the typing experience due to other factors such as stem design and overall switch construction.
When assessing how the top and bottom housing materials impact the overall typing experience, it becomes apparent that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing the key. Despite using similar materials for their housings, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Tom may offer distinct typing experiences based on how these materials interact with other components of the switches.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch. The Box Mute Jade requires 75 grams to actuate and 82 grams to bottom out, while the Tom only needs 55 grams to actuate, and the bottom out force is unknown. The Box Mute Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom offers a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their own advantages, and the choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile 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 Tom switch. With the Box Mute Jade's 3.6 mm travel distance, you may experience a slightly deeper key press compared to the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Outemu Tom switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are ideal for those seeking a faster response time, especially for gaming. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for the amount of depth and tactility desired in a key press.
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 Tom 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 switch offers a unique and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This switch provides a quieter clicky experience compared to traditional clicky switches, making it ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback without excessive noise. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare it to the Box Mute Jade. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers an accented tactile bump that provides a satisfying amount of feedback without being too overwhelming. Additionally, these switches are known for their stiffness, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. The polished finish of the Box Mute Jade contributes to a smooth typing experience with reduced friction. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is unavailable, making it challenging to directly compare it to the Box Mute Jade in terms of tactile feedback.
Considering the available information, if you prefer a clicky switch with a quieter sound profile and a noticeable tactile bump, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch may be the best option for you. However, if you are looking for information on an Outemu Tom tactile switch, additional research may be needed to determine if it meets your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the satisfying clicky feel of a mechanical keyboard switch but prefer a quieter sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be a great choice for you. The heavy bottom-out force of 82 grams provides a sturdy and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with no bottom-out force specifications available, the Outemu Tom tactile switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a clicky feel with a quiet sound or a tactile typing experience without a defined bottom-out force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
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