Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, a linear switch. The Box Mute Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the satisfying crunchiness of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter sound profile. With a slight bump and a more subdued click, this switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon represents the epitome of what a linear switch should be. Its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design create a buttery smooth typing experience. While the Box Mute Jade is categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished', the Sea Salt Lemon is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on the suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon share similar housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual aesthetics with the top housing of both switches.
However, the differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same qualities in terms of sound profile. This means that the typing experience on both switches will elicit a similar depth and fullness of sound, thanks to the nylon bottom housing material.
When it comes to the overall impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing has a more significant role. Pressing down on the switch will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. As a result, users can expect slightly different feedback when typing on the Box Mute Jade compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, with the bottom housing material playing a key role in defining the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a higher actuation force of 75 grams, requiring a firmer push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, making it more sensitive and easier to activate.
In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade is again heavier with a force of 82 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, allowing for a smoother and lighter keystroke.
For those who prioritize weight, the Box Mute Jade would be the heavier option, while the Sea Salt Lemon falls on the lighter side. Some individuals may appreciate a lighter switch, as it enables longer typing periods and is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, others may prefer the heavier option, as it offers a more tactile and robust typing experience.
In summary, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Mute Jade is heavier in both categories, providing a more substantial and tactile feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon is lighter and more sensitive. Depending on individual preferences and typing needs, users can choose between these differing forces to optimize their typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance than the Box Mute Jade. The 4.0 mm distance of the Sea Salt Lemon falls within the traditional range, providing a familiar feel for users. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances may feel abrupt to some individuals. Therefore, those who prefer a more satisfying key press with more depth may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is best known for its crunchy feel and more subdued sound profile. When using these switches, there is a slight bump in feel and a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky sound signature. This switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback while minimizing the noise level.
On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a different experience. These switches are well-known for their buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to the progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. While the sound is described as low-pitched and neutral, the exact sound profile may vary based on factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of sound, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch creates a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a low-pitched and mellow tone, providing a more bass-heavy and relaxed sound.
When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch is described as accented, stiff, and polished. This means that it offers a medium level of tactile feedback without being overwhelming, requires a higher amount of force to actuate, and provides a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable for most users, providing a safe and comfortable middle-ground between different switch types.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy feel and a more subdued clicky sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. It's important to consider personal preferences and the context of usage when choosing between these switches. However, if you prefer a quieter and more tactile experience, the Box Mute Jade switch might be a suitable choice. If a gentler and smoother typing experience is preferred, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a safe and comfortable option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you appreciate the crunchy feel of a clicky switch without the loud noise, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a slight bump when typing and produce a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and gentle typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is the way to go. With its progressive spring and dry-lube design, these switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience. Additionally, if you value a more moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon's low-pitched and neutral sound qualities make it a versatile option suitable for various use cases. Ultimately, the decision between the Box Mute Jade and Sea Salt Lemon boils down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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