Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying clicky feel but prefer a more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter clicky sound, this switch provides a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is known for its innovative design. This switch offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth typing feel adds to the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 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 Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it useful for incorporating RGB lighting in the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from both switches when it comes to the top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box Mute Jade and the Semi-Silent Linear utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's relatively softer composition allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, users can anticipate comparable typing experiences, characterized by a rich and satisfying sound, from both switches due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
It's worth noting that while the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the overall sound of a switch, they also interact to create the final output. When pressing down on either the Box Mute Jade or the Semi-Silent Linear, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the impact on the sound is primarily influenced by the properties of the top housing. Despite their differences in design, both switches provide an enjoyable and consistent auditory experience due to the combined contribution of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a relatively heavy actuation force of 75 grams, requiring a substantial push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable, making it difficult to determine. However, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is 82 grams, indicating that further pressure is required to fully press the keys. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Semi-Silent Linear is 62 grams, suggesting a lighter and potentially smoother typing experience.
Considering weight, some individuals favor keyboards with lighter actuation and bottom out forces, as it allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. However, others prefer a stronger push feel, seeking a more substantial typing experience. For this group, options with heavier forces, such as the Box Mute Jade, may be more suitable.
In summary, the Box Mute Jade switch offers a heavy actuation force of 75 grams and a heavy bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a robust typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch, with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams, offers a potentially lighter and smoother feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preferences and typing requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it can be seen that the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7mm. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, it can still have an impact on the typing experience. The Box Mute Jade's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers who value faster response times, as it allows them to press keys more quickly. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear may provide a more satisfying and deliberate typing feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is best known for its crunchy feel and more subdued sound profile. It provides a slight bump when pressed and emits a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky, sound. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile sensation of clicky switches but prefer a quieter typing experience.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a unique combination of sounds. It has a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, which means that when pressed, it produces a dampened sound. However, it still maintains a clacky bottom-out sound. This gives it a more subtle sound profile compared to most switches. The type feel of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as silky smooth, striking a balance between being polished and not over-polished. Additionally, it is considered mild, snappy, and buttery, providing a gentle yet responsive and fluid typing experience.
Based on the sound description, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a crunchy sound that is associated with clicky switches. This can be likened to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued sound, which is dampened and subtle compared to most switches. It is also considered neutral, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch is described as accented, providing a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming nor subtle. It is also stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. The switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience.
In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild feel, which means it provides a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is also snappy, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs that make the typing experience feel more alive. Just like the Box Mute Jade, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is also described as polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, if you prefer a clicky switch with a crunchy feel and a more subdued sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a semi-silent linear switch with a silky smooth and balanced feel, along with a unique combination of sounds, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be worth considering. Both switches offer polished finishes, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. Keep in mind that the actual sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier switch with a crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a satisfying tactile bump and a quieter clicky sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a silky smooth type feel and a semi-silent topping-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is the way to go. It provides a gentle typing experience with a clacky bottom-out sound. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. Whether you prioritize the sound or the feel of the switch, these options can cater to your specific needs. Overall, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinctive typing experiences that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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