Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that you should consider are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Silent Frozen. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a distinctive crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky sound signature, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch without the noise associated with traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen is a linear switch that prides itself on being exceptionally quiet. Known for its extremely quiet sound profile, these switches also offer a smooth and pillowy feel. With a thocky, low-pitched sound and a creamy, buttery texture, typing on the Silent Frozen switches feels incredibly satisfying. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Silent Frozen both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice creates a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it an advantageous option for those looking to customize their keyboard with vibrant lighting effects.
However, the housing materials differ for the bottom housings of these two switches. The Box Mute Jade employs a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and thus creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the respective bottom housings become apparent. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade will provide a more cushioned and muted sensation when fully depressing a key. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen will offer a firmer and crisper tactile experience.
Although the housing materials differ between the top and bottom housings, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Silent Frozen aim to deliver an enhanced typing experience with their distinct sound profiles. While the top housings contribute to the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housings play a crucial role in the overall feel and sound when striking a key. Therefore, depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, individuals can choose either switch to achieve their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there is a clear distinction in weight. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the Silent Frozen's lighter actuation force of 39 grams. Similarly, the Box Mute Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, while the Silent Frozen has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams.
This variance in weight provides different typing experiences for users. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Silent Frozen as it requires less force to trigger keystrokes, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions that demand prolonged use. Conversely, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Box Mute Jade. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel and might be preferred by those seeking a more tactile and pronounced keystroke feedback.
It is important to note that while the weights of these switches differ, individuals seeking similar results might still find satisfaction in either option. The lighter Silent Frozen may give a similar experience to the Box Mute Jade if the user prefers a lighter touch, even though the forces are not equal. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, making the Kailh Box Mute Jade a popular choice in gaming keyboards. However, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the TTC Silent Frozen switch may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is best known for its more subdued yet unmistakably clicky sound profile. It has a slight bump that can be felt when pressing the keys, and the resulting sound is quieter compared to other clicky switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is characterized by an extremely quiet sound profile. It produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, commonly described as a "thocky" sound. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch is low-pitched and muted, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Keep in mind that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used. Therefore, for similar results to the Box Mute Jade, the Silent Frozen switch can offer a quieter and more bass-heavy sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is described as having an accented tactile feel, meaning it provides a certain level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is not a hypertactile switch, but it still offers a noticeable bump. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switch is stiffer than other switches, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out. Its polished finish contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is known for its creamy and buttery typing experience. It offers a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The Silent Frozen switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It has a subtle resistance, providing a gentle typing feel without being too feather-light. Like the Box Mute Jade, the Silent Frozen switch also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Silent Frozen switches offer different but equally appealing qualities. The Box Mute Jade provides a slightly crunchy feel with a clicky sound that is quieter compared to other clicky switches. It has an accented tactile feel and a stiffer actuation force, resulting in a prominent amount of tactility. Meanwhile, the Silent Frozen switch offers an extremely quiet sound profile with a thocky and low-pitched sound when pressed. It has a creamy and buttery typing experience, combined with a feathery and subtle resistance for a comfortable typing feel. Both switches feature a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a more subdued clicky feel and sound, the Box Mute Jade is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize a silent typing experience with a light and smooth keystroke, the Silent Frozen is a great option that can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the satisfying crunch and distinctive clicky sound of a switch but prefer a quieter profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a slight tactile bump and produce a more subdued clicking sound, creating a pleasing typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, if you value extreme quietness, smoothness, and a lighter typing feel, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a significantly lower bottom out force, resulting in a feathery and effortless keystroke experience. The Silent Frozen switches also offer a pillowy and buttery sensation, accompanied by an extremely quiet sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound and typing feel.
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