Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Sea Glass are two popular options that offer distinct experiences. The Box Mute Jade is an accented and crunchy clicky switch that delivers a satisfying tactile feedback with a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Glass is a captivating linear switch known for its unique pastel colors and a typing experience that exudes dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and effortless to press, providing a frictionless typing experience. While both switches offer their own set of appealing qualities, diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you make an informed decision regarding the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Sea Glass switches differ significantly. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. The blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but tends to lean towards the brighter side. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound compared to the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches have different materials and characteristics. The Box Mute Jade employs a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass combines a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. This unique blend results in a sound profile that is also pleasant, but not particularly sharp. This means that the Sea Glass's bottom housing contributes to a slightly different sound experience compared to the Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play distinct roles in the overall sound profile and feel. When typing on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing will offer a unique sound experience. Conversely, the top housing materials have more influence on the sound when releasing a pressed key. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings differ in materials and characteristics, both switches will offer similar sound profiles when it comes to key release, thanks to their polycarbonate and unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE top housings, respectively.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences in terms of weight. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams. This makes it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as the increased force provides a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, falling into the medium-weight category. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who prefer extended typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. Although the two switches differ in their weight specifications, both can provide satisfying results depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Sea Glass has a slightly deeper travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade.
Choosing between these switches depends on personal preference and specific needs. If you are a gamer or someone who values quick response times, the Box Mute Jade with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. The shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation, enabling quicker key presses during intense gaming sessions. However, if you prefer a more substantial and satisfying keypress with a deeper travel distance, then the Durock Sea Glass, with its slightly longer travel distance, might be more suitable for you.
It is important to note that both options provide a different typing experience due to their distinct travel distances. The Box Mute Jade offers a shallower, more responsive feel, while the Sea Glass provides a deeper, more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, whether you opt for the shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade or the longer travel distance of the Sea Glass, both switches will deliver reliable performance and satisfying key presses, catering to different preferences and needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 switches provide a more subdued clicky sound. These switches have a slight bump when pressed and produce a quieter click but still retain the characteristic clicky sound that is associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound of the Durock Sea Glass switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches are described as having a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. They offer a prominent amount of tactility without being excessively tactile. These switches also require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, giving them a stiff feel. Additionally, they are described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches are described as being frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. They have a mild typing feel, falling in the safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. These switches are exceptionally light to press with a feathery feel, reducing finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. They are also easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, enhancing the typing experience with low-impact and responsive key presses.
Taking into account all the available information, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches provide a clicky typing experience with a subdued sound profile and a medium level of tactility. They have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. The Durock Sea Glass switches, on the other hand, offer a smooth and frictionless typing experience. They have a mild and approachable feel, with a feathery lightness and an easy-to-press nature. While the sound profile of the Sea Glass switches is unknown, the subjective qualities mentioned suggest that they might provide a different experience compared to the Box Mute Jade switches. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics, and depending on personal preferences, users can choose the one that suits their typing style and preferences better.
Conclusion
In closing, if you enjoy the crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a slight bump and a quieter but unmistakably clicky sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a captivating pastel color selection and a distinct dryness and airiness in your typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be a great option. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, offering a frictionless typing experience. In terms of sound, while the Box Mute Jade is described as crunchy, no specific sound description is provided for the Sea Glass switches. In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade is characterized as accented, stiff, and polished, while the Sea Glass switches are frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics when deciding between these two switches.
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