An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with a clicky feel, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Sage are both excellent options to consider. The Box Mute Jade is best known for its crunchy feel and more subdued sound profile, making it the perfect switch for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Sage switches offer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavier weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness. Each switch brings its own unique characteristics to the table, providing users with different options depending on their personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
75g
N/A
82g
70g
1.80 mm
1.70 mm
3.60 mm
3.60 mm
Yes
No
Box
Standard
POM
POM
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate
Nylon
Nylon
PCB (5-pin)
Plate (3-pin)
Kailh Box spring
Stainless steel
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Sage share similar top housing materials, as they both incorporate polycarbonate. This material lends itself to creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in the switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for a clear housing, making it suitable for those who plan to use RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound characteristics, the Box Mute Jade and the Sage are expected to deliver similar results due to their shared top housing material.
Where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Box Mute Jade features a nylon bottom housing, while the Sage also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Sage and Box Mute Jade can be distinguished by the qualities brought by their bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials of both the top and bottom play a crucial role. With the Box Mute Jade, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced more by the nylon bottom housing, while the sound when you release a key will be more affected by the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Sage follows this pattern, where the bottom housing characteristics will dominate the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will shape the sound when a key is released. This distinction ensures that each switch has a unique combination of materials that contribute to its specific typing sensation and sound signature.
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can see some notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams, making it relatively heavy compared to the Sage, for which the actuation force is unavailable. This suggests that the Sage may be lighter in terms of actuation force. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade has a bottom out force of 82 grams, indicating a heavy and robust typing experience. In contrast, the Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Box Mute Jade.
Considering the weight factor, the Box Mute Jade is likely preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial and forceful typing sensation. This heavier actuation force and bottom out force make it suitable for those who value the tactile feedback and solidity of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sage, with its potentially lighter actuation force, may appeal to users who prefer a gentler typing experience, allowing them to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue.
While the actuation force for the Sage is not stated, it can be assumed that it would be lighter than the 75 grams of the Box Mute Jade due to the lower bottom out force of 70 grams. This would provide a similar result to the Box Mute Jade for users who prioritize a lighter touch, while still offering a satisfying clicky feel. Overall, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Both the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of these switches enhances the typing experience by providing a tactile feedback, allowing users to feel the switch engage and providing a satisfying clicky sound. Both switches offer this feature, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
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.
When it comes to sound, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Sage switches offer a similar "crunchy" clicky sound profile, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. However, the Box Mute Jade provides a more subdued sound, making it a good choice for those who enjoy the satisfying clicky feel without the loudness. The Sage, on the other hand, offers a refreshingly sharp clickiness and is ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. It's important to note 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 offers an accented tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It is also described as stiff, meaning it requires more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switch is polished, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. Conversely, the Sage switch offers an invigorating tactile experience with a snappy and reactive feel. It has a sharp tactile bump that offers high feedback intensity and a distinctive sensation with each keystroke.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Sage switches provide clicky typing experiences, but with different qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Mute Jade offers a more subdued clicky sound and a medium level of tactility, the Sage provides a sharper sound and a heavier, more invigorating typing experience. Choosing between the two depends on personal preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions. However, it's important to consider that individual preferences may vary and other factors such as keyboard layout, keycap material, and typing style can also influence the overall typing experience.
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier switch with a crunchy feel and a more subdued clicky sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. It has a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stiffer switch. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade offers an accented, stiff, and polished feel, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct and sharp clicking experience, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is the better option. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a slightly lighter typing feel compared to the Box Mute Jade. The Sage provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a highly responsive and immersive typing sensation.
In terms of sound, both switches share the same crunchy sound profile commonly associated with clicky switches. They both have a crisp and unmistakable clicky sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Sage will depend on your personal preferences for switch weight, feel, and sound. Consider your typing style and desired level of feedback when making your decision. Whether you prioritize a more subdued clicky sound and a heavier feel or crave a sharp and invigorating clicking experience, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.