Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the Dareu Sky V4, a linear switch. The Box Mute Jade is favored for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy clicky switches without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out for its use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound and smooth linear action for a satisfying typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your preference for a clicky or linear feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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 V4, it is evident that they both feature top housings made of unique materials. The Box Mute Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Sky V4 boasts a POK top housing, which offers smoothness and durability with its low friction coefficient and impressive wear resistance. While the Box Mute Jade focuses on creating a clear and resonant sound, the Sky V4 prioritizes a smooth and clacky typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Box Mute Jade and the Sky V4 feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in their top housings, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel between the Box Mute Jade and the Sky V4.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Sky V4 offer different qualities and characteristics, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a common ground in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Sky V4's POK top housing prioritizes smoothness and durability. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a smoother typing experience, both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their overall performance and feel.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a significantly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch. The Box Mute Jade requires 75 grams of force to actuate and 82 grams to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. On the other hand, the Sky V4 only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it lighter and more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Those looking for a lighter switch may prefer the Sky V4, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the Box Mute Jade. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for different users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is the same at 3.6mm. Both switches offer a consistent experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar typing or gaming performance. Despite being equal in travel distance, the Kailh Box Mute Jade offers a clicky feedback while the Dareu Sky V4 provides a linear feel, catering to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences. Overall, both switches deliver a smooth and efficient keystroke performance, making them reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V4 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 V4 for $4.76.
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 clicky switch offers a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, with a quieter profile compared to traditional clicky switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is known for producing a thocky sound, a deep and rich tone that complements its smooth linear action. The Sky V4 also offers a neutral sound profile suitable for various typing environments, and features a low-pitched tone that provides a bass-heavy and mellow sound experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade offers an accented tactile experience that is not overwhelming yet still provides a noticeable bump when typing. Additionally, these switches are described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches, resulting in a more deliberate typing experience. The Box Mute Jade also boasts a polished finish that contributes to a smooth and refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch is noted for its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed. This unique sensation adds to the overall typing experience, offering typists a different tactile feel compared to the Box Mute Jade.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer distinctive sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Box Mute Jade excels in providing a tactile experience with a quieter clicky sound, while the Sky V4 offers a smooth linear action with a deep and rich thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether you prefer the crunchy feel and subdued sound of the Box Mute Jade, or the bouncy feel and deep sound of the Sky V4, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy the crunchy feel and quieter clicky sound profile, the Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear action with a deeper sound signature, the Sky V4 is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a heavy and clicky feel or a medium-light and smooth typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose according to what best suits your needs and preferences.
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