Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch. The Box Mute Jade is loved for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy clicky switches without the loudness. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature, smoothness, and a light touch at an affordable price point. While the Box Mute Jade is accented, crunchy, and stiff, the Smoothie is described as buttery, thocky, and creamy. However, to truly determine the best switch for your needs, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch.
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Smoothie, one noticeable difference is in the top housing material used. The Box Mute Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Smoothie uses a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Box Mute Jade features a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer properties that absorb more sound. Similarly, the Smoothie also uses a POM bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. The use of different bottom housing materials in each switch highlights how the qualities of the material can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the switch.
Overall, while both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, the Kailh Box Mute Jade with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing provides a sharper and fuller sound experience, whereas the Gateron Smoothie with its POM top and bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in terms of sound profile and typing experience. However, both switches guarantee a high-quality typing experience thanks to the carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that the Box Mute Jade is the heavier option. The Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. If we assume that the bottom out force of the Smoothie is also lighter, then users can expect a more effortless keystroke with this option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some users preferring the lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier force for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience, with the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Box Mute Jade clicky switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch based on sound, the Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy sound similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves, while the Smoothie provides a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile that is deep, rich, and satisfying. Both switches offer unique sound signatures that cater to different preferences, with the Box Mute Jade being more subdued and the Gateron Smoothie offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Box Mute Jade is described as accented, stiff, and polished, providing a medium tactile experience with a refined finish. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. Both switches provide a different typing sensation, with the Box Mute Jade requiring more force to actuate and offering a polished typing experience, while the Gateron Smoothie focuses on smoothness and ease of keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provide distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound, the Box Mute Jade is the ideal choice, while the Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky, smooth, and lightweight touch experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy the crisp and clicky feel of a switch with a more subdued sound profile, the Box Mute Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky and smooth typing experience with a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie would be more suited to your liking. Consider the level of actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback that best align with your preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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