Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Purple Star stand out as unique options with distinct characteristics. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a satisfyingly crunchy feel while maintaining a subdued sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback without the loudness typically associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the Purple Star by KTT is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light 45g bottom-out, catering to light typists seeking ease and comfort during extended typing sessions. While the Box Mute Jade is described as accented, crunchy, stiff, and polished, the Purple Star is characterized as mild, low-pitched, and easy-to-press. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preferences and typing styles; 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
43g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Purple Star switches offer different sound profiles due to their composition. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the POM top housing of the Purple Star, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches have a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile. The use of different materials in the top housings leads to distinct auditory experiences for users, with the polycarbonate providing a clearer and resonant sound, while the POM offers a more subdued tone.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade allows for the utilization of RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a visually appealing feature for users. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Purple Star does not offer this option. However, both switches share the POM bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material showcases how a softer plastic can impact the overall sound quality of a switch, regardless of the difference in top housing material.
The difference in top housing materials between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Purple Star switches highlights how the choice of housing material can affect the sound produced by a mechanical keyboard. While the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing leads to a crisper sound profile, the Purple Star's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted tone. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches demonstrates how each component contributes to the overall sound and feel of typing. Ultimately, users seeking a sharper and clearer sound may prefer the Box Mute Jade, while those looking for a deeper and more muted sound might be drawn to the Purple Star.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch to the KTT Purple Star linear switch, one significant difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Purple Star offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter keystroke for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches provide unique benefits based on the user's preference. If one prefers a lighter touch, the Purple Star would be the preferred choice, while the Box Mute Jade is better suited for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, we see that the Box Mute Jade has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Purple Star's 3.5 mm. This difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on the feel and responsiveness of the switch. The Box Mute Jade with its longer travel distance may provide a more deliberate and satisfying key press, while the Purple Star with its slightly shorter travel distance could offer a quicker and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Both switches, however, fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the keyboard market for their potential benefits in speed and comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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 crisp autumn leaves, providing a satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy clicky switches. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch produces a low-pitched sound that is more mellow and bass-heavy, catering to a different preference in sound. Your final sound experience will depend on the keyboard and keycaps you choose to pair with these switches, as these factors can also influence the overall sound profile.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides an accented tactile feel with a slight bump, offering a balanced level of tactility that is not too overwhelming nor too subtle. Additionally, these switches are known for their stiff and polished key feel, requiring more force to actuate and providing a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, making it ideal for light typists who prefer a gentle and effortless key feel. The Purple Star switches have a light 45g bottom-out force, enhancing typing comfort and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions.
In conclusion, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a crunchy sound profile and a balanced level of tactility, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a low-pitched sound and a gentle typing experience, the KTT Purple Star switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a tailored mechanical keyboard experience based on individual preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch or the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavier, crunchy feel with a subdued sound profile, then the Box Mute Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light actuation force, the Purple Star may be more suited to your needs. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so be sure to consider what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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