Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the TTC Speed Silver. On one hand, the Box Mute Jade offers a clicky switch experience with a more subdued sound profile, making it perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch without the accompanying noise. This switch is also known for its accentuated feel, stiff resistance, and polished design. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is ideal for those who prioritize speed and precision in their typing experience. With a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, these linear switches offer effortless actuation and reduced travel distance. Categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, they provide a smooth and precise typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits 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
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Speed Silver switches share similar housing materials, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Aesthetically, both switches offer the advantage of translucency, making them ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
However, where they differ is in their nylon bottom housings. The Box Mute Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Speed Silver also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, sharing the same sound-enhancing qualities as the Box Mute Jade.
When comparing the two switches as a whole, the bottom housing's characteristics have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Pressing down on the switches allows users to experience the qualities of the nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing. Therefore, while the top and bottom housing materials differ, the resulting typing experience may yield similar results in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Speed Silver switches offer polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Additionally, their nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, with the material's softer nature absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder tone. Despite these differences, when comparing the overall typing experience, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that these switches offer different weight options. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams. On the other hand, the Speed Silver provides a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Speed Silver switch would be the ideal choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, users would be able to type with less effort and potentially for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. This makes it a desirable option for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or gaming.
On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade switch caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, this switch requires a stronger push, providing a satisfying and robust feel while typing. This can be advantageously for individuals who prefer a more tactile and responsive keyboard, allowing them to achieve a sense of control and accuracy.
By considering the actuation and bottom out forces, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier touch, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Speed Silver switches offer distinct options that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, which is commonly found in keyboards. This shorter travel distance is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you are looking for a more responsive typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver switch with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch with its 3.6 mm travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 unique experience with its crunchy sound profile. This is commonly associated with clicky switches and can be likened to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, neither too loud nor too quiet, making it suitable for various purposes. 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 used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch provides an accented tactile feel. It offers a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it ideal for those who prefer a tactile switch without it being too pronounced. Additionally, these switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, giving them a stiff feel. The Box Mute Jade also boasts a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls into the safe middle-ground zone, providing a smooth and approachable feel for most users. Similar to the Box Mute Jade, the Speed Silver switch features a polished finish, ensuring a sleek and friction-free typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is evident that the Kailh Box Mute Jade and TTC Speed Silver switches offer distinct qualities. The Box Mute Jade excels in providing a crunchy sound profile, accented tactile feel, and a stiffer typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver focuses on a neutral sound profile, a mild and gentle typing experience, and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the ideal choice for those who enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience with a more subdued sound profile. The heavy bottom out force of 82 grams provides a satisfying and distinct feel when typing, and the crunchy sound adds to the overall typing experience. This switch is particularly suitable for individuals who appreciate the sensation of pressing on keys with a higher amount of force, resulting in a polished and refined finish for smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is perfect for users who prioritize a fast and precise typing experience. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a light-medium level of resistance and ensure effortless actuation. The pristine sound profile and reduced travel distance make these switches ideal for those who value speed and accuracy in their typing. Additionally, the polished finish of the Speed Silver switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a tactile and clicky switch with a heavier bottom out force and a quieter sound profile, the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. Alternatively, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a lighter touch and a clean sound profile, the Speed Silver switch is the better option.
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