Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy feel with a quiet sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, offering typists a buttery experience that is complemented by a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that appeal to different users, making them suitable for various typing preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer contrasting properties. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those looking for a crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials contribute to a unique sound profile, the polycarbonate in the Box Mute Jade focuses on clarity and resonance, while the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream aims for a distinct clacky sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the differences between the two switches become more apparent. The Box Mute Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing made of polyketone, which offers exceptional durability and smoothness. The POK material not only provides a clacky sound but also boasts superior wear resistance and shock resistance compared to nylon, making it a top choice for those seeking longevity and typing comfort.
While the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct characteristics, their impact on the overall typing experience is undeniable. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing of each switch affect the sound profile and feel when typing. The Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing enhances the release sound, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller bottom-out sound. Similarly, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing provides a clacky sound upon release, while the POK bottom housing ensures a smooth and durable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique combinations of housing materials to cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch vary significantly. The Box Mute Jade has a much heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a solid and substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, allowing for a smoother and more effortless typing feel. This stark difference in weight makes the Box Mute Jade suitable for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is ideal for users who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer distinct typing experiences, catering to different preferences and needs of users.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them popular choices for gamers looking for quicker response times. However, the Box Mute Jade has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so they would both be suitable options for those looking for a shorter travel distance switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a unique experience with a quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience that stands out from the competition. Both switches provide different sound profiles, catering to different preferences, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference based on the desired sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a slightly bumpier and accented tactile experience, providing a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. Additionally, the switch is described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, for those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a smooth and creamy feel, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This buttery sensation is achieved through the use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing, providing a seamless and uniform typing experience. Again, the choice between the two switches will depend on the desired typing feel, whether it be a more tactile or smoother experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy and slightly bumped typing experience with a quieter sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound with a smooth and creamy feel. Ultimately, the best switch for an individual will depend on their personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when selecting a switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a heavier key press and enjoy the crunchy feel and quieter sound of a clicky switch, then the Box Mute Jade is the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key press, a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, and a smooth and creamy typing experience, then the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Mentioned in this article
