Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may be torn between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter but unmistakably clicky sound signature, this switch provides a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that boasts a big tactile bump, creating an exhilarating typing sensation. Its snappy sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. While these general characteristics give you an idea of what to expect, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those wanting a more precise typing experience. Additionally, polycarbonate's stiffness ensures a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall sound quality of the switches. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, particularly if RGB lighting is desired. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual aesthetics when comparing the top housings of these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade features a nylon material while the Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics such as polycarbonate. This characteristic gives the Box Mute Jade a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded and duller sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple complements the sharp and crisp sound profile of its top housing. This combination ensures a consistent and resounding typing experience throughout the entire motion of pressing and releasing a key.
Considering the split qualities between the top and bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade and the Polaris Purple exhibit different characteristics in terms of sound and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out, providing a more cushioned and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing ensures a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound, delivering a snappier and precise feel. Conversely, the impact on the sound when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing. In both switches, the polycarbonate top housing results in a clear and resonant sound when letting go of a key, showcasing its importance in creating an overall balanced sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it a heavier switch overall. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's actuation force is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, there are individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, favoring switches with heavier forces.
In terms of actuation force, the Kailh Box Mute Jade requires a force of 75 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force for the Polaris Purple is unknown. Nonetheless, it is important to note that both switches are clicky and tactile, providing similar results in terms of the typing experience, even if the forces may differ.
In summary, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the heavier switch with an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple is medium-heavy with a bottom out force of 67 grams. However, both switches offer a clicky and tactile typing experience, catering to different preferences based on the desired weight and keypress feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them a suitable choice for gamers who value faster response times. However, if you prefer a more substantial keypress, the Polaris Purple switch with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 more subdued sound profile compared to other clicky switches. Described as "crunchy," these switches produce a sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as having a "neutral" sound profile. It falls in the middle-ground zone, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides an accented tactile experience. While not exceptionally pronounced, the switch offers a noticeable bump that adds to the typing experience. The switch is also described as "stiff," requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade is polished, resulting in reduced friction and a smoother key travel.
In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a milder tactile typing experience. It falls in the middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more prominent characteristics. Similar to the Box Mute Jade, the Polaris Purple switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is ideal for those who enjoy a crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile. Its accented and slightly stiffer tactile experience adds to the overall typing experience. The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, on the other hand, provides an exhilarating tactile typing experience with its big tactile bump. While the sound profile is described as snappy, it falls within a neutral zone, suitable for various typing purposes. Both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preferences and needs, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prefer a heavy switch with a crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a slight bump and a quieter clicky sound, making them suitable for those who still want the tactile and auditory feedback but with a more toned-down experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be an excellent option. These switches offer an exhilarating typing experience with their prominent tactile feedback and satisfying sound. Both switches are well-suited for various purposes, but it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Whether you value the crunchy feel and subdued sound of the Box Mute Jade or the big tactile bump and snappy sound of the Polaris Purple, both switches provide a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Mentioned in this article
