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Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)

An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that come to mind are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Box Mute Jade is renowned for its crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile, making it the ideal choice for those who enjoy the tactile experience of a clicky switch without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Silent T1 is a great option for individuals who desire both a tactile switch and a silenced operation, especially in noise-sensitive environments. This switch provides a medium bump, a padded bottom-out feel, and muted audio feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

75g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

82g

Bottom-out force

67g

Pre-travel

1.80 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Box

Stem construction

Standard

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

Gold-plated

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing materials. This choice of material results in a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, which is a relatively stiffer plastic, contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a distinct sound and a visually appealing layout, both the Box Mute Jade and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housing.

The differences between the two switches lie in their nylon bottom housing. The Box Mute Jade features a nylon bottom housing that creates a deep and full sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which offers a similar experience. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, and the nylon material contributes to a deeper and more satisfying sound.

Overall, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) share similarities in their sound profile due to the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. However, the differences arise in their bottom housing materials. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of the Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing or the deeper and fuller sound of the Silent T1 (Shrimp), these switches offer distinct options for customizing your typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Box Mute Jade has a relatively heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, which can be considered as medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the more suitable choice, as it offers a lower bottom out force compared to the Box Mute Jade. This lighter force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade provides a heavier actuation force and bottom out force, which may appeal to individuals looking for a more substantial and deliberate key press. This can enhance the tactile feedback and typing experience for those seeking a stronger push feel.

Despite their differences, both switches offer unique advantages based on individual preferences. If one desires a lighter typing experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) can deliver similar results due to its lower bottom out force. However, for those who enjoy a heavier keystroke, the Box Mute Jade would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience for the user.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we find that the Silent T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although the difference between the two distances is quite small, it may still have an impact on the typing experience. The Silent T1 falls more towards the traditional travel distance of 4.0mm, providing a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. However, it is important to note that individual preferences vary, and some may find the shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a deeper, more solid feel or a quicker, more responsive keystroke.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.

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 clicky switch offers a distinct and satisfying crunchiness that is commonly associated with clicky switches. It provides a more subdued sound profile compared to other clicky switches, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch produces a muted sound that is softer and quieter than regular or clacky switches. This switch is specifically designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards and is perfect for noise-sensitive environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers an accented feel that falls into the category of a medium tactile switch. It provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, giving you a satisfying feedback while typing. Additionally, this switch is on the stiffer side, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This means that you will need to apply more force when pressing the keys with these switches. The Box Mute Jade switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Similarly, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers an accented feel, providing a noticeable amount of tactile feedback without being overly intense. It has a stepped design, meaning it has two stages of tactility. You can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a single large bump throughout the keystroke. Like the Box Mute Jade switch, the Silent T1 also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy feel with a more subdued clicky sound profile, an accented and stiffer feel, and a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a muted sound profile, a medium bump with a padded bottom-out feel, an accented and stepped tactile feel, and a polished finish for smooth typing. While they may differ in some aspects, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a focus on reduced noise. Depending on your preference for clickiness or tactility, you can expect similar results in terms of the overall quality of the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you enjoy the crunchy feel and sound of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter experience, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 82 grams, it provides a heavy and accented tactile feel, offering a satisfying typing experience. The muted sound profile of the Box Mute Jade is ideal for noise-sensitive environments while still delivering a distinct clicky sound. On the other hand, if you desire a tactile switch with a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel that strikes a balance between tactility and usability. It is also a silenced switch, making it perfect for environments where noise reduction is important. Ultimately, the choice between the Box Mute Jade and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) depends on your preference for clicky or tactile switches and the level of sound dampening you desire.

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