Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch and are torn between a clicky switch or a linear switch, look no further than the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying crunchiness of a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter click, these switches offer the best of both worlds. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is ideal for environments that require quieter typing. With its silencing capabilities, this switch provides a cushy and pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, however, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$6.50 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black have different materials for their top housings. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black has a proprietary INK blend top housing. This blend by Gateron results in a pointed, yet not overly sharp, sound profile. Its thin and higher-pitched sound is often described as "clacky." While different in material, both top housings contribute to the sound when a key is released.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon material. This classic switch housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black has a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares similar sound characteristics with its top housing. The blend captures a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, contributing to the overall clacky sound. The bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing, providing a tactile experience when typing.

Although the materials used for the top and bottom housings differ between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, they both bring unique qualities to the switches. The Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying clacky sound. In terms of the bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade's nylon material elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its overall clacky sound. Overall, both switches offer distinct acoustic experiences, ensuring users can find the sound profile they prefer.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that there are noticeable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force, requiring 75 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Ink Black has a lighter actuation force of 60 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade again proves to be heavier, with 82 grams needed to fully press down the switch, while the Silent Ink Black requires 70 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black would be the ideal choice, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it easier to type on for longer periods of time. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who bring their keyboard to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade appeals to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a satisfying tactile feedback for a more pronounced and weighty typing sensation.

It is important to note that the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches greatly contribute to the overall feel and performance of the keyboard. Choosing between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Gateron Silent Ink Black are capable of delivering satisfactory results.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Silent Ink Black falls within the more common range of 4.0 mm, while the Box Mute Jade is slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience may gravitate towards the longer travel distance of the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides a unique experience. It offers a crunchy sound, which is commonly associated with clicky switches. It resembles the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The sound of these switches is slightly subdued compared to other clicky switches, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as muted. It produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it perfect for environments that demand quieter typing. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers an accented tactile experience. It falls into the category of tactile switches that are not hypertactile but still provide a noticeable bump. This moderate level of tactility offers a pleasant typing experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, these switches are stiffer, meaning that they require more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This can provide a satisfying feeling of resistance. The Box Mute Jade switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. It offers a silky smooth feel, ensuring minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound and accented tactile feel, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is recognized for its muted sound and silky smooth feel. Both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy the crunchy feel of a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued sound, the Box Mute Jade switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience in a cushion-like bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is a great option. Ultimately, the final choice should be based on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a heavier switch with a crunchy feel and a quieter clicky sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. It offers a pleasant tactile bump and a more subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy the clicky switch experience without the loud noise. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the way to go. This linear switch provides a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. It is perfect for environments that require a quieter workspace. In terms of sound, the Box Mute Jade produces a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, while the Silent Ink Black offers a more muted and softer sound compared to regular mechanical switches. When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade offers an accented and stiff typing experience, with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Silent Ink Black, on the other hand, provides a silky smooth typing experience with a polished finish for enhanced smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black depends on your preference for switch weight, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more