Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Swift. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the HMX Swift is a linear switch known for its deep sound profile and smooth actuation, perfect for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Swift, we can see that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. However, where they differ is in their top housings. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast highlights how different materials can impact the overall sound experience of a mechanical switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers the added bonus of being translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. This allows for a visually striking effect when combined with lighting, enhancing the overall look and feel of the keyboard setup. The Swift, with its nylon top housing, may not offer the same visual appeal when it comes to lighting effects. However, the deeper and fuller sound profile elicited by the nylon material may be preferred by users who prioritize the tactile and auditory experience of typing over visual aesthetics.
Ultimately, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the HMX Swift offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. While the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper sound, the Swift's nylon top housing creates a deeper tone. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a consistent deep and full sound profile. Whether choosing the Box Mute Jade for a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or the HMX Swift for a deeper, more classic typing experience, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. Likewise, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is heavier at 82 grams, while the Swift has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The Box Mute Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier touch, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the HMX Swift provides a lighter touch, perfect for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Swift. The shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Swift may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 profile reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a clicky switch with a more subdued sound. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch provides a clacky sound when pressed, producing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp and percussive. Depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound produced by each switch may vary slightly.
When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade switch offers an accented tactile feel that is stiff yet not overwhelming, providing a medium amount of tactility for a satisfying typing experience. Its polished finish ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, adding to the overall typing comfort. Conversely, the HMX Swift switch is characterized by its easy-to-press actuation force of 42g, offering a feathery and bouncy sensation with a creamy finish, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use.
Overall, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy feel with a quieter clicky sound, while the HMX Swift offers a deep sound profile with a silky smoothness and a light actuation force. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a unique typing experience that caters to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual taste and the specific requirements of the user's typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and satisfying click of a heavier switch, then the Box Mute Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smoother typing experience, then the HMX Swift would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a crunchy feel with a subdued sound profile or a silky smoothness with a deeper sound profile. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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