Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch and can't decide between a clicky or a linear switch, let us introduce you to the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Pine. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound signature, these switches offer the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is known for its buttery smoothness and effortless typing experience. With a medium-heavy feel and a factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction, resulting in a smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique features and advantages, making it a tough decision to choose between them. However, let's delve deeper beyond the generalities, so you can make an informed decision and find the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Pine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for clear and resonant sound production. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. So, in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal, both switches provide similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade utilizes nylon, while the Pine uses polycarbonate. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Pine contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. So, in terms of sound when pressing down on the switch, the Box Mute Jade with its nylon bottom housing offers a duller and rounder sound, while the Pine with its polycarbonate bottom housing provides a more clear and resonant sound.
In summary, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Pine share the benefits of using polycarbonate top housings for producing sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. They also both offer the advantage of being compatible with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. However, the bottom housing materials differ, with the Box Mute Jade utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, and the Pine using polycarbonate for a sharper and clearer sound. So, depending on personal preference for sound characteristics, one may prefer the Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing for a duller and rounder sound, or the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing for a more resonant sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, compared to the Pine's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Jade requires more force to trigger a keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Similarly, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Jade again proves to be heavier with a force of 82 grams, while the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams. These differences in force indicate that the Jade switch is overall heavier compared to the Pine switch. This difference in weight is worth considering as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. For individuals who prefer lighter switches, the Pine would be a suitable option as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. However, if a user seeks a more substantial typing experience and enjoys a heavier push feel, then the Jade switch would be the preferred choice. It is important to note that while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, their purposes and functionality remain the same. Whether a user selects the Jade or Pine switch, they can expect similar results in terms of keystroke activation and completion.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have slightly shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm. The shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade makes it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which some individuals may prefer for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is best known for its crunchy feel and more subdued sound profile. When using these switches, you will feel a slight bump and hear a quieter but unmistakably clicky sound. This sound can be described as similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a medium-heavy and buttery smooth feel. These switches are built for an effortless typing experience with a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel.
In terms of sound, the Box Mute Jade switch offers a crunchy sound profile that is commonly associated with clicky switches. It has a distinct sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Pine switch can also be described as having a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Box Mute Jade offers an accented feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being hypertactile or scratchy. Additionally, these switches are considered stiff, meaning they require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. The switches are also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy feel and a quieter clicky sound, while the Pine switch offers a smooth, buttery feel and a deeper, bass-heavy sound profile. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's personal preference for sound and feel. However, regardless of the choice, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a switch but prefer a quieter sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, these switches provide a crunchy feel while still offering a more subdued sound. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience and effortless key travel, the KTT Pine linear switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches are described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
In terms of sound, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch produces a clicky sound with a "crunchy" quality, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Pine linear switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile with bassy and low-pitched tones.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides an accented tactile experience that is not overwhelming but still prominent. It also offers a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a quieter sound profile with tactile feedback, go for the Box Mute Jade. If you prioritize smoothness and effortless typing, the Pine linear switch would be the better option. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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