Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a unique typing experience, look no further than the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that combines the satisfying crunch of a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile. With a slight bump and a quieter clicky sound signature, this switch is perfect if you enjoy a tactile feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. It strikes a perfect balance between offering a satisfying feedback without becoming overly tactile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially beneficial for switches that use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will offer a similar sound experience and visual appeal when it comes to the top housing material.

On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade and Viola Tricolor differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor also features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a similar deep and full sound experience. Therefore, both switches will provide a comparable typing sound and feel due to the use of nylon in their bottom housings.

In terms of the overall impact on the typing experience, the housing materials of the Box Mute Jade and the Viola Tricolor play a significant role. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent when the keys are pressed down. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a crisp sound upon key release, while the softness of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounded typing sound. Therefore, the overall typing experience will be influenced by the combination of these materials in both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams, making it a heavier option, while the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unknown. However, the Viola Tricolor still provides a substantial typing experience with a measured bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Viola Tricolor may be a preferable choice as its actuation force is unknown. This allows for longer and more comfortable typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade offers a heavier actuation force, which some individuals find more satisfying due to its stronger push feel. This provides a more substantial typing experience, which may be ideal for those seeking a tactile response with a notable resistance.

While the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ, both options offer a range of preferences for users. Depending on individual preferences and requirements, one may find the lighter actuation force of the Viola Tricolor more suitable, while others may appreciate the heavier actuation force of the Box Mute Jade. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing comfort and the desired level of resistance in each keystroke.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for those seeking faster response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for quicker inputs. However, it is important to note that the Box Mute Jade offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Viola Tricolor. This means that if you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Box Mute Jade would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth in each keypress, the Viola Tricolor's slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's personal preference for travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a more subdued sound profile compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch. The Box Mute Jade produces a quieter clicky sound that is unmistakable, but not as crisp or loud as other clicky switches. It is often described as a "crunchy" sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. It is often characterized as "bassy" with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor is also described as "low-pitched," offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both the Box Mute Jade and the Viola Tricolor switches are described as "accented," indicating a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Both switches offer satisfying feedback during key presses. The Box Mute Jade is also described as "stiff," requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This means that more force needs to be applied when pressing the keys with these switches. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade is noted as having a "polished" finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is described as "invigorating," offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a quieter clicky sound with a slight bump, accompanied by a crunchy feel and a stiffer actuation force. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility, providing a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Both switches have an accented feel, meaning they provide a noticeable tactile sensation. However, while the Box Mute Jade has a polished finish for a smooth typing experience, the Viola Tricolor offers an invigorating and reactive feel. Depending on your preferences, either switch can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a heavier switch with a crisp and crunchy clicky sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a subtle click and provide a satisfying tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a thuddy and punchy sound, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is the perfect option. These switches strike a balance between tactile feedback and actuation force, creating an invigorating typing sensation. The Viola Tricolor switches offer a rich and low-pitched sound profile, adding character to your typing experience.

Ultimately, your decision between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Haimu Viola Tricolor will depend on your preference for clickiness and bottom-out force. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy clicky sound and a heavier bottom-out force, while the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom-out force. Consider your desired typing experience and sound preference when choosing between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Mute Jade Clicky

$6.50 per 10

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Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more