Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer distinct experiences for users. The Box Mute Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter sound profile. With a slight bump and unmistakably clicky sound, this switch falls into the categories of 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is perfect for those looking for a tactile switch that provides a snappy response and a buttery downstroke. Its tactility is pronounced yet not overpowering, offering a mild and neutral sound signature. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy', the Purple Sakura excels in providing a delicate balance of tactility. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is mainly due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this feature, the differences lie in their bottom housings.
The Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The combination of the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Box Mute Jade creates a well-rounded typing experience with a balance of sharpness and depth in sound. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura offers a different typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a richer, fuller sound profile over sharpness.
In terms of feel and sound, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the Box Mute Jade or the Purple Sakura, the bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing the key. Despite their housing differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences thanks to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials in their constructions.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we can see that the Box Mute Jade is heavier in both aspects. The Box Mute Jade requires 75 grams of force to actuate and 82 grams to bottom out, while the Purple Sakura needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. This means that the Box Mute Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may become an issue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Box Mute Jade being the heavier option and the Purple Sakura offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is longer than the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.2 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Box Mute Jade offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Purple Sakura. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Box Mute Jade, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch delivers a more neutral sound, suitable for various typing environments and preferences. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Mute Jade being more distinctive and the Purple Sakura being more versatile depending on the user's setting and audience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides an accented tactile experience, with a medium tactility that strikes a good balance between feedback and smoothness. Additionally, it offers a stiff key press, which may require more force to actuate but can result in a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a buttery downstroke, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation, along with a mild tactility that is gentle on the fingers. This switch also provides a snappy response, enhancing the typing experience with its responsive feedback.
Overall, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a more pronounced and crunchy sound along with accented and polished tactility, the Box Mute Jade switch may be the better option for you. However, if you lean towards a more neutral sound profile and a buttery, mild tactile experience, the Purple Sakura switch would be the ideal choice. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but in different ways, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a heavier bottom out force and a crunchy clicky sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a satisfying tactile bump and a quieter clicky sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a tactile switch with a snappy and buttery feel, then the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches would be the way to go. With a balanced tactility and a mild, neutral sound profile, these switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches comes down to your personal preference for switch weight, sound, and feel. Choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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