Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may be torn between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Wine Red. The Box Mute Jade offers the satisfying clicky experience that many enthusiasts love, but with a more subdued sound profile. It provides a slight bump when pressed and emits a quieter clicky sound. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a completely different typing experience. It has a pillowy light feel that makes typing effortless, accompanied by a deep and rich sound profile. While the Box Mute Jade is categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished', the Wine Red is known for its 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched' characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and KTT Wine Red share similar housing materials in their top housing, both made of polycarbonate. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches that plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. So, if you are looking for a switch that offers these sound qualities and the option for RGB lighting, both the Box Mute Jade and Wine Red with their polycarbonate top housings would be suitable.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade incorporates nylon, while the Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, the Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing would be the better choice. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a sharper and crisper sound, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red would be more suitable.
It's important to note that the choice of housing material, whether polycarbonate or nylon, influences the sound profile of each switch differently. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when you release a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a switch. So, depending on your preference for the sound and feel of the switch, you can choose between the Box Mute Jade and the Wine Red to achieve the desired result.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly in terms of weight. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, requiring a more substantial push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Wine Red has a lighter actuation force of 44 grams, allowing for a lighter touch when typing.
Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is heavier at 82 grams, providing a more pronounced typing experience when pressing all the way down on the keys. Conversely, the Wine Red has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, which results in a medium-light feedback sensation upon fully pressing the keys.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Wine Red switch would be a suitable choice as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This feature is beneficial for extended typing sessions and is ideal for individuals who bring their keyboard to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing feel, the Box Mute Jade switch would be preferable with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
In summary, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch differ in weight, with the Box Mute Jade being heavier and the Wine Red being lighter. While each switch provides distinct typing experiences, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired level of typing force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches. Gamers, who value quick response times, often prefer shorter travel distances. In this case, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch would be the preferred choice. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, a longer travel distance may be desired. In this scenario, the KTT Wine Red linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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. Described as "crunchy," these switches provide a satisfying clicky sound, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. However, the sound is more subdued compared to other clicky switches, making it a great option for those who enjoy the tactile feedback without the loud noise. On the other hand, we don't have specific information about the sound profile of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. However, since it is described as "bassy" and "low-pitched," we can assume that the sound produced will have a deeper and richer tone, similar to bass tones. While the exact sound profile may vary depending on factors like the keyboard and keycaps, both switches offer unique audio experiences.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch provides a distinct tactile feedback. Described as "accented," these switches offer a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The slight bump felt when typing provides a pleasant typing experience. Additionally, these switches are known to be stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This can be beneficial for users who prefer a bit of resistance and a more deliberate keystroke. The Box Mute Jade switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, we don't have any specific information about the feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. However, since it is not described in the given information, we can assume that it doesn't possess any notable characteristics in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy and clicky sound profile with a subdued volume, making it suitable for those who enjoy tactile feedback without excessive noise. It offers an accented and stiff feel, with a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, we have limited information about the sound and feel of the KTT Wine Red switch. However, based on the information given, it is expected to have a deep and rich sound profile with low-pitched characteristics. Unfortunately, the description doesn't provide any specific information about the feel of the Wine Red switches. Overall, while the two switches offer different experiences, they both present unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you enjoy the satisfying crunch and subdued sound of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a slight bump and a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky, sound signature. With a bottom out force of 82 grams, they provide a heavy feel, which may require applying more force when typing. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switches have an accented feel, meaning they offer a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The polished finish of these switches also ensures a smooth and sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light type feel and a deep, rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the perfect fit. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light feel, requiring less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Box Mute Jade. While the feel of the Wine Red switches is not specifically described in the provided information, its satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile indicates a potentially bassy and low-pitched experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether you prioritize the crunchy click and heavier feel of the Box Mute Jade or the pillowy light feel and deep sound profile of the Wine Red, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing enjoyment. Consider your preferences and requirements to make an informed decision.