Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, to the Dareu Sky POM, a linear switch, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The Box Mute Jade is favored for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a clicky switch without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its clacky sound, smoothness, and gentle actuation force, offering a different typing experience altogether. While the Box Mute Jade is accentuated and stiff, the Sky POM is buttery and low-pitched. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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 spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Sky POM, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a crisp and clear sound profile for the Box Mute Jade, while the Sky POM offers a deeper and more muted sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the typing experience. Despite this similarity, the sound profiles generated by the polycarbonate housing in these switches are distinctly different, catering to different preferences in typing sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Box Mute Jade and the Sky POM feature nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a rounder and duller sound upon bottoming out. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches, despite the differences in their top housing materials.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials affect the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switches. While the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities allows for a nuanced typing experience, where different aspects of the switch's sound profile can be attributed to either the top or bottom housing material. Ultimately, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Sky POM offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences due to their choice of housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is significantly heavier than that of the Dareu Sky POM linear switch. The Box Mute Jade requires 75 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, while the Sky POM only needs 40 grams. This means that the Box Mute Jade will provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring more effort to press down each key. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade also requires more force at 82 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Sky POM. This difference in weight may impact the typing preferences of users, as some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sky POM for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the Box Mute Jade for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and actuation force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, we see that the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sky POM has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Box Mute Jade would be preferred for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter distance. On the other hand, the Sky POM may be more suitable for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch offers a crunchy sound profile reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, providing a tactile auditory experience without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch presents a low-pitched sound that is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone, offering a different auditory sensation. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, the choice between these two switches will impact the auditory feedback during typing sessions.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Box Mute Jade switch is accented, stiff, and polished, providing a tactile experience that is not overly tactile, requires a higher actuation force, and offers a smooth key travel. Contrastingly, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, delivering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience that minimizes resistance. The tactile feedback and actuation force of these switches will influence the typing experience and comfort level for users, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy sound profile with a tactile feel, ideal for those seeking a subdued yet tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM offers a clacky sound with a buttery smooth feel, appealing to users looking for a premium typing experience at an accessible price point. Depending on your preference for sound, feel, and typing style, both of these switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a subtle sound and a more pronounced tactile bump, then the Box Mute Jade is the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet linear switch with a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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