Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there is a wide range of options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Two popular switches in the market are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Silent Red. The Box Mute Jade is best known for providing a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile. It offers a slight bump and a quieter clicky sound, making it a great option for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch but prefer a less intrusive noise level. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is ideal for individuals seeking a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise. With a muted sound profile, it is perfect for office or shared living space use. The switch provides a consistent, buttery feel throughout and offers a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

TTC Silent Red Linear

$6.50 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Silent Red share the same polycarbonate top housing material. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. It also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it visually appealing. Therefore, both switches will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits when it comes to the top housing.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon housing while the Silent Red also uses nylon. Nylon as a housing material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Both switches will offer this characteristic bottom-out sound, making them comparable in terms of sound profile.

It's important to note that the difference in bottom housing material can affect the overall feel and sound of the switches. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although the polycarbonate top housing is the same for both switches, the distinction in their respective nylon bottom housings may create slight variations in typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, while the Silent Red requires a lighter 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Box Mute Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams compared to the Silent Red's 63.5 grams. This means that the Box Mute Jade switch provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push to register a keystroke and ultimately bottoming out with more force. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a lighter and more effortless typing experience with lower actuation and bottom out forces. The weight preference ultimately depends on the user's preference and typing style. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Silent Red switch, while users seeking a more heavy and substantial feel may gravitate towards the Box Mute Jade switch.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. The shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade may be preferred by gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which some individuals may find more satisfying in terms of key depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is best described as having a crunchy sound profile. This type of sound is commonly associated with clicky switches and can be likened to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as having a muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Box Mute Jade offers an accented tactile experience. This means that it provides a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It strikes a balance between a typist's preference for tactile feedback and a smooth typing experience. The switch is also described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. This means that you will need to apply more force when pressing the keys with these switches. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. The buttery characteristic implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The switch is also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Similarly to the Box Mute Jade, the Silent Red switch also features a polished finish, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.

To summarize, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a crunchy sound profile with a tactile and stiff feel. Its polished finish adds to the sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch delivers a muted sound profile with a buttery and mild typing experience, also featuring a polished finish. While these switches differ in their subjective qualities, both can provide satisfying results depending on the user's preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you appreciate the crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. With its heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, this switch provides a satisfying tactile bump and a quieter, though still unmistakably clicky, sound signature. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is perfect for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. They provide a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, along with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the crunchy clicky experience or the buttery smoothness of a linear switch. Both switches offer a polished, refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more