Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a satisfying clicky feel without the usual loudness, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. With its crunchy texture and subdued sound profile, it offers a slight bump and a quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound signature. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that is ideal for office and work environments, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile is the way to go. These switches strike a delicate balance between medium tactility and noise reduction, providing a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, all while maintaining an impressively silent profile. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile forgoes silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience devoid of the typical padded feel found in most silent switches. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in terms of their top housing materials. The Box Mute Jade utilizes polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Box Mute Jade and the WS Silent Tactile utilize nylon. Nylon is known for evoking a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing contributes to creating a more rounded and less sharp sound.
Considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound of the switches, the top housing plays a significant role when you let go of a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile produces a more muffled and rounded sound when releasing a key. While the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches provide a similar experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavy actuation force of 75 grams, meaning a significant amount of pressure is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile switch is unavailable, suggesting that it is either not disclosed or unknown.
Moving on to the bottom out force, which measures the force required to fully press down a key, the Box Mute Jade switch requires 82 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Box Mute Jade switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the WS Silent Tactile switch, as it requires more pressure to fully depress a key.
Considering weight, the Box Mute Jade switch offers a heavier typing experience overall with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a more substantial and deliberate feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch provides a medium-heavy typing experience with its lower bottom out force, which may be advantageous for individuals who prefer a lighter switch to prevent fatigue during long typing sessions.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Box Mute Jade switch is heavier and disclosed at 75 grams, the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile switch is unknown. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade switch requires more pressure at 82 grams compared to the WS Silent Tactile switch's 63.5 grams. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with some individuals favoring a lighter typing experience for extended use, while others prefer the heavier and more substantial feel provided by the Box Mute Jade switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is 3.5 mm. Both of these switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. However, the Box Mute Jade has a slightly longer travel distance than the WS Silent Tactile.
If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on a key, the longer travel distance of the Box Mute Jade might be a better choice for you.
Ultimately, the preference for travel distance depends on individual preferences and typing style. It is worth noting that both switches offer a shorter travel distance, providing similar results in terms of increased responsiveness compared to switches with traditional travel distances.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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." This means that it produces a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It offers a more subdued clicky sound profile, which is ideal for those who enjoy the feel of a clicky switch without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is described as having a "neutral" sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It is a muted switch, meaning it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes it a great choice for office or work environments where noise reduction is important. However, it is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as having an "accented" tactile feel. This means that they provide a prominent amount of tactility, which is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They both offer a medium level of tactile feedback without sacrificing comfort. Both switches are also considered to be polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. Additionally, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as "invigorating," offering a snappy and reactive feel with pronounced feedback. It has a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation. The Box Mute Jade switch, on the other hand, is described as "stiff," requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. This means that more force needs to be applied when pressing the keys with these switches.
Overall, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and environments. The Box Mute Jade switch is ideal for those who enjoy a crunchy feel and a more subdued clicky sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch strikes a balance between tactility and noise reduction, making it a perfect fit for office and work environments. Both switches provide an accented tactile feel, have a polished finish, and offer a satisfying typing experience. If you are seeking a similar level of tactility and a more quiet typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch can provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and distinct click sound of a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued noise level, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a slight bump in feel and a quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound signature, giving you a satisfying typing experience without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter work environment without compromising on the tactile feedback, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is the perfect companion. These switches strike a delicate balance between moderate tactility and noise reduction, offering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return while maintaining an impressively silent profile. With its invigorating yet mild feel, the WS Silent Tactile switch ensures an immersive typing sensation without causing disruption in your office or work atmosphere. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for the level of noise and the level of tactile feedback you desire in your mechanical keyboard.