Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Red Panda. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that is best known for its crunchy feel and more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky sound, it offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch that provides a light-medium amount of tactility. Typing on these switches produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. While both switches have their advantages, it's important to explore their characteristics in more detail to determine which one is best suited for your preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$3.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Red Panda both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent material for achieving a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the integration of RGB lighting, adding aesthetic appeal to these switches. Overall, the similarities in the top housing material assure that users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual effects.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Mute Jade and the Red Panda feature nylon as their material of choice. Nylon brings forth a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material creates a unique typing experience, ideal for those seeking a switch with a distinct sound signature. Despite the shared material, it is important to note that the impact of the bottom housing on sound and feel during bottom-out is more prominent. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality, but the bottom housing may have a slightly more noticeable impact on the overall feel of the switch.

In summary, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Red Panda utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles and the ability to incorporate RGB lighting. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, although the impact of the bottom housing on feel is more noticeable during bottom-out. Overall, these switches provide similar results in terms of sound quality and typing feel, offering users a satisfying experience regardless of their choice.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there is a clear difference in weight. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a heavier 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 Red Panda has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a more suitable choice for individuals who prefer a lighter switch to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. Although the forces of the two switches are different, it is important to mention that both switches offer a similar level of responsiveness and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the weight preference.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating a preference for faster response times. Gamers, in particular, often opt for switches with shorter travel distances. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Red Panda switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box Mute Jade switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides a unique experience. It is often described as "crunchy," which refers to the sound resembling stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This switch offers a more subdued clicky sound compared to other clicky switches, making it a great option for those who enjoy the clicky feel without the louder noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is known for its distinctive sound profile. It produces a bassier and raindrop-like bottom-out sound, accompanied by a clackier and higher-pitched top-out sound, often described as "thocky." These two switches offer contrasting sound experiences, with the Box Mute Jade clicky switch being quieter and the Red Panda tactile switch having a more pronounced and satisfying sound.

Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides a unique tactile experience. It is considered an accented switch, which means it offers a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming but still notable. The switch is also described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This adds to the satisfying feel and overall feedback of the switch. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, contributing to a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls into the safe and approachable middle-ground zone, making it suitable for most users. While the specific characteristics of the Red Panda's feel are not mentioned, it is expected to offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.

In summary, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides a more subdued clicky sound, known as "crunchy," and offers an accented and stiff feel, with a smooth and polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Red Panda tactile switch produces a unique "thocky" sound with a bassier and clackier profile. Its feel is described as mild and gentle, providing a comfortable typing experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prefer a heavier switch with a crunchy sound profile and a prominent amount of tactility, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is an excellent choice for you. It provides a satisfying typing experience with its heavy bottom out force of 82 grams and an unmistakably clicky sound that is quieter than other clicky switches. Additionally, it offers a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is a great option. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a more gentle typing experience and falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for weight, sound profile, and tactility.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more