Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are a wide range of options to choose from. Two popular choices are the Kailh Box Mute Jade, a clicky switch, and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, a linear switch. The Box Mute Jade is best known for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy the satisfying clicky sound without the noise becoming overwhelming. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and bassy tone. Their medium-weight makes them suitable for various users, ensuring a pleasant typing experience. While these general pointers may be helpful in making a decision, let's dive deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to help you determine the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it suitable for RGB lighting purposes. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials offer unique auditory experiences, with polycarbonate providing a more resonant sound and POM offering a distinct deeper tone.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon material, while the Sunset Yellow employs POM. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow also produces a deeper and more muted sound. Thus, both switches deliver a satisfying auditory experience, but in slightly different ways.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound, it is important to note that each housing material has a distinct influence. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt, particularly in the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade contributes to a deeper bottom-out sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow offers a similar effect. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade creates a sharper sound upon key release, while the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow results in a relatively more muted tone. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles, but their housing materials contribute to different auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions. While the Box Mute Jade is heavier in both aspects, it may be favored by those who prefer a stronger and more deliberate key press. Meanwhile, the Sunset Yellow provides a lighter touch, which some users find more comfortable for long hours of typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the range. However, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, then the Sunset Yellow would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial key press, then the Box Mute Jade would be the better option with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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 provides a more subdued clicky sound. While it still maintains the unmistakable clicky sound signature, it is quieter and less intense compared to other clicky switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It has a rich, bassy, and decadent sound that adds a touch of indulgence to typing. The sound is characterized by deeper bass tones and can be described as thocky. 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.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides a unique combination of characteristics. It offers a slight bump, giving a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The switch requires a slightly higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, making it on the stiffer side. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience. It has a smooth and buttery feel, thanks to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. The switch offers effortless gliding and a fluid travel. Similarly to the Box Mute Jade, the Sunset Yellow also has a polished finish, further enhancing the smoothness of the typing experience.
Taking all available information into account, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Mute Jade provides a clicky switch experience with a more subdued sound profile, a slight bump, and a stiffer feel. It offers a refined and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow offers a captivating thocky sound, a creamy and frictionless feel, and effortless gliding during typing. Both switches provide unique and enjoyable experiences, catering to different preferences. If a user prefers the crunchy feel of a clicky switch with a more subdued sound, the Box Mute Jade is a suitable choice. If a user seeks a rich and indulgent typing experience with a smooth and buttery feel, the Sunset Yellow is a great option. It is important to consider personal preference, as well as other factors like keyboard layout and keycap compatibility when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a clicky switch with a heavier bottom out force and a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be the optimal choice for you. These switches offer a crunchy feel and a quieter clicky sound, making typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a captivating sound profile with a rich and bassy sound, paired with a medium-light bottom out force, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches would be a great option. These switches have a distinct gliding feel and provide a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. Additionally, they offer a creamy and frictionless typing experience, thanks to factory lubing and specific materials. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom-out force, ensuring a customized typing experience that suits your unique needs.
Mentioned in this article
