Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Piano. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a unique combination of a crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile. It provides a satisfying clicky feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is a linear switch that is well-known for its smooth and frictionless typing experience. Thanks to its proprietary material blend, it offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. While the Box Mute Jade is accented, crunchy, stiff, and polished, the Durock Piano is bassy, frictionless, and silky. Both switches have their advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Piano have different materials used for their top housings. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing, offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although the exact details of this blend are unknown, it is evident that the Piano's POM blend creates a distinct sound experience. Both switches, however, provide an excellent option for those who prefer switches with clear housings, as polycarbonate and POM are both translucent materials.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, the Box Mute Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing. Although the exact composition remains unknown, it is certain that this blend contributes to a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Both switches offer a distinct sound experience, but with different characteristics resulting from the different materials used in their bottom housings.
When it comes to the overall sound of the switch, the qualities of the top and bottom housings are divided. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, whether you choose the Box Mute Jade or the Piano, the sound experience will be influenced by the specific qualities brought by each housing material. Both switches promise to deliver a unique auditory feedback, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. Firstly, the Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams, which is fairly heavy, while the actuation force of the Piano switch is unknown. This means that the Box Mute Jade requires more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Piano switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade has a higher force of 82 grams, indicating that it requires more pressure to fully engage the key, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is somewhat lighter.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter switch would lean towards the Piano switch as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lightweight characteristic is beneficial for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the contrary, for individuals seeking a more forceful typing experience, the Box Mute Jade switch would be a better choice due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
In terms of comparing the two switches, it can be concluded that the Box Mute Jade is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the specific actuation force of the Piano switch remains unknown. However, based on the available information, it can be inferred that the Piano switch is relatively lighter in comparison. Ultimately, individuals with different preferences for actuation and bottom out forces can choose the switch that best suits their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Piano switch being slightly deeper. However, the difference of 0.4 mm might not be significant enough to create a noticeable disparity in user experience. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance offered by the Box Mute Jade switch. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial actuation feeling may opt for the longer travel distance of the Piano switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 experience. With a quieter sound profile than typical clicky switches, these switches provide a more subdued click while still retaining that satisfying tactile feel. The sound can be described as "crunchy," reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch produces a deep and creamy sound signature. With a bassy profile, the sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the richness and depth associated with bass tones. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade offers an accented tactile experience. Although not as pronounced as a hypertactile switch, it provides a prominent amount of tactile feedback that falls between overwhelming and subtle. Additionally, these switches have a stiffer feel, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This aspect adds a sense of solidity and resistance to the typing experience. The Box Mute Jade also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This refined surface contributes to a sleek typing experience.
In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. These switches are designed to provide an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The glide and push sensation is enhanced, allowing for effortless and fluid typing.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy, subdued click sound with a stiffer and accented tactile feel, while the Durock Piano delivers a deep, creamy sound with a frictionless and silky smooth typing experience. Choosing between the two depends on personal preferences, whether one prefers the tactile and audible feedback of a clicky switch or the smoothness and linearity of a linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy the crunchy feel of a clicky switch and prefer a more subdued sound profile, then the Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. With its heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, you can expect a satisfying tactile feedback and a quieter click sound. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep and creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano is an excellent option. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Piano provides a gliding push feel and a richer sound profile. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your preferred feel and sound when making your decision.
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