Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch and can't decide between a clicky or tactile option, look no further than the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock White Lotus switches. The Box Mute Jade offers a satisfying crunch with a more subdued sound profile, making it perfect for those who enjoy the clicky feel without the loud noise. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches provide an exquisite light tactile experience that strikes the perfect balance, ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Added to their allure is the option to enjoy vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, creating a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock White Lotus have distinct differences. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic is known for its clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives the switch a unique and premium feel. While both materials provide a quality sound experience, the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate housing offers a more precise and high-pitched sound compared to the White Lotus's modified blend, which may result in a slightly different audio experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both cases. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock White Lotus will offer similar typing experiences in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon material used in their bottom housings ensures a satisfying and resonant sound profile that adds depth and richness to each keystroke.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it is important to note that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock White Lotus will provide an enhanced sound experience during key release, thanks to their respective housing materials. The Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing will produce a sharper and clearer sound, while the White Lotus's modified blend will offer a premium feel and potentially a distinct tonal quality upon key release. These differences make each switch unique and suited to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams. In contrast, the White Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams, making it a medium-light option.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the White Lotus would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for easier keystrokes. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions where fatigue can be reduced. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade offers a heavier push feel, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This can appeal to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and precision in their keystrokes.
Although the forces differ between the two switches, it is worth noting that the actuation and bottom out forces of both switches can yield similar results when considering the overall typing experience. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard. Some users may appreciate the lighter feel of the White Lotus, while others may prefer the heavier resistance provided by the Box Mute Jade.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of overall distance, the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade.
A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional, providing a well-rounded typing experience. The Box Mute Jade, with its slightly shorter travel distance, may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming situations. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may gravitate towards the longer travel distance offered by the White Lotus switch.
It is important to note that personal preferences play a significant role in determining the ideal travel distance for an individual. Some may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, while others appreciate the added responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter travel distance for speed or a longer travel distance for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 switch is best described as crunchy. These switches produce a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, providing a satisfying clicky experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is characterized as low-pitched and neutral. The low-pitched sound profile of the White Lotus switches offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the neutral sound profile makes these switches suitable for various environments and typists. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is known for being accented, stiff, and polished. The accented tactile feel of these switches provides a noticeable bump without overwhelming or subtlety, striking a balance for users who enjoy tactile feedback. The stiff nature of these switches requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, providing a more controlled typing experience. Additionally, the polished finish of the Box Mute Jade switches results in smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle feel. The lightweight actuation force required to activate these switches makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics offer a gentle typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users. The subtleness of the White Lotus switches provides a gentle resistance and a sound signature suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Durock White Lotus switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy sound with an accented, stiff, and polished feel, while the White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound along with an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide enjoyable and distinct typing experiences. Keep in mind that factors such as keyboard board selection and keycap choice can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, exploring these switches firsthand will allow you to find the perfect fit for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavy switch that offers a crunchy feel and a more subdued clicky sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be an excellent choice for you. It provides a slight bump during typing and produces a quieter click sound. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter switch with a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, the Durock White Lotus is the way to go. These switches are ideal for work and extended typing sessions, offering a gentle resistance and an easy-to-press feel. Additionally, they feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects. In terms of sound, the Box Mute Jade is crunchy and clicky, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. The White Lotus, on the other hand, has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Regarding feel, the Box Mute Jade is accented, providing a medium tactile experience with a noticeable but not overwhelming level of tactility. It also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the White Lotus offers an easy-to-press typing experience with gentle resistance, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Its mild characteristics make it approachable to most users, and the subtle feel and sound signature are suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Durock White Lotus will depend on your preferred weight, feel, and sound profile.
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