Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Jerrzi Seashell. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a crunchy feel with a subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Seashell is a linear switch with a stunning purple hue and a light, clacky feel that offers a comfortable typing experience. While the Box Mute Jade is accentuated and stiff, the Seashell is easy-to-press and high-pitched. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different 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
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Jerrzi Seashell both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. These top housings are ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting due to their translucency. On the other hand, both switches also have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
The main difference between the two switches lies in their housing materials. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound, the Box Mute Jade uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a softer and deeper sound profile. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. However, the distribution of these qualities may vary as the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Jerrzi Seashell switches offer a unique combination of housing materials to create distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound. The impact of these materials on typing experience may vary based on the distribution of the housing materials within the switches. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality with slight variations based on the housing materials used.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is significantly heavier than that of the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch. The Box Mute Jade requires 75 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Seashell only needs 45 grams. This makes the Seashell a lighter option for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade has a bottom out force of 82 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Seashell is unknown. The heavier bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Despite the small difference of 0.2 mm, this can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. The Box Mute Jade offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Seashell switch has a slightly shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those looking for a faster and more responsive typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell for $2.30.
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 clicky switch offers a crunchy sound profile reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, snappy, and bright. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Mute Jade offering a quieter clicky experience and the Seashell delivering a more percussive sound. The final sound will also depend on factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is described as having an accented tactile sensation, a stiff actuation force, and a polished key travel experience. This combination provides a medium level of tactility without being overpowering, requiring a bit more force to actuate compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal exertion and providing a smooth, low-impact typing experience. Both switches aim to provide comfort during extended typing sessions, with the Box Mute Jade offering a more tactile experience and the Seashell focusing on lightness and ease of use.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy and subdued clicky sound with accented tactility and stiffness, the Seashell offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, tactile feedback, and typing experience. However, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who enjoys the tactile feedback and distinct click sound of a mechanical keyboard switch, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be an excellent choice for you. The heavier bottom out force and crunchy feel provide a satisfying typing experience while still remaining relatively quiet. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear typing experience with a lighter touch and a vibrant aesthetic, then the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is the way to go. The feathery, easy-to-press feel of the Seashell switches, coupled with their beautiful purple color and clacky sound profile, make them a delightful option for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what attributes you prioritize in a keyboard switch.
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