Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Purple Click. Both switches offer a satisfying clicky experience, but they have their own unique characteristics that set them apart. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback of a clicky switch. Its slightly subdued sound profile and crunchy feel make it a great choice for users who prefer a more understated click. On the other hand, the Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, offers a high-pitched, satisfying click that adds an invigorating element to each keystroke. While the keystrokes are light, they still provide a pronounced tactile feel without overwhelming the user. Overall, both switches offer a clicky experience with their own distinct personalities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Purple Click have similar housing materials in their top housing, both being made of polycarbonate. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a distinct auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users planning to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for a vibrant and visually appealing keyboard setup.
However, the bottom housing materials of the Box Mute Jade and the Purple Click differ, with the former featuring a nylon bottom housing and the latter also employing nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing and brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to both switches. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a unique auditory experience as a result of their nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role. The bottom housing has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Therefore, the qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing will significantly influence the overall typing experience of both switches. In contrast, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when the key is released. Thus, users can expect distinct sound profiles and typing experiences based on the combination of housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that there are significant differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, while the Purple Click requires a lighter force of 40 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade is heavier with 82 grams, whereas the Purple Click is relatively lighter with 55 grams. These variances in force can greatly impact the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Purple Click switch would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel would find satisfaction in the Box Mute Jade switch. It is crucial to consider the weight of the switches based on personal preferences and requirements for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Purple Click switch is longer than the Box Mute Jade switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Purple Click is closer to the traditional travel distance, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Mute Jade is slightly shorter. Generally, shorter travel distances are favored by gamers looking for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Box Mute Jade switch would be a better option. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press, the longer travel distance of the Purple Click switch might be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Purple Click switches fall into the category of crunchy clicky switches. These switches produce a sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. However, there is a slight difference in the sound profile. The Box Mute Jade offers a more subdued sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy the clicky feel without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch has a higher-pitched, satisfying click, providing a more resonant and immersive auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade switch is described as a medium tactile switch that offers a noticeable bump without being overwhelming. It is also considered to be stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switch has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction.
On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is described as an invigorating switch with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. It offers a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The Purple Click switch is also referred to as a stepped switch, meaning it has a mild tactile feel with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Purple Click switches deliver different subjective qualities. The Box Mute Jade offers a quieter click with a medium tactile feel and a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch provides a high-pitched and satisfying click with an invigorating typing sensation and stepped tactile feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary depending on factors such as keyboard board, keycaps, and personal typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, along with a heavier bottom out force, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch would be a great choice for you. This switch offers a crunchy feel and a quieter click sound, creating a satisfying typing experience without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a higher-pitched, satisfying click and a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Purple Click switch would be a perfect fit. It provides a pronounced tactility without being too intense and offers an invigorating and reactive feel. Both switches have a crunchy sound profile commonly associated with clicky switches. However, the Purple Click switch also offers a resonant sound profile, which adds an immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade switch is accented, stiff, and polished, providing a medium tactile experience with a smooth key travel. The Purple Click switch, on the other hand, offers an invigorating and stepped feel, featuring moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
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