Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that are worth considering are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that is known for providing a satisfying crunchiness while also offering a more subdued sound profile. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu is a linear switch that is perfect for users who prefer a more delicate typing experience or need to type for long periods of time. Its material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, offering a satisfying yet subtle typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the SP-Star Yanyu have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Yanyu has a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, offering a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards brighter tones. While both provide distinct sound characteristics, the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing is especially beneficial when using RGB lighting due to its translucency.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade utilizes a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, the nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Yanyu combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing, which also provides a unique sound profile. While the specifics are not mentioned, it can be expected to contribute to the overall pleasant sound, potentially enhancing certain qualities like brightness.

The differences in housing materials between the top and bottom of each switch result in a split impact on the sound and feel when typing. When pressing down on the Kailh Box Mute Jade, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing are felt, offering a more pronounced and impactful bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the sound when the key is released is influenced more by the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, for the SP-Star Yanyu, the polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing will contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the blend's sound characteristics will be more prominent when releasing a key. Overall, while their housing materials differ, both switches provide unique and enjoyable sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are clear differences in weight and force. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force for the Yanyu switch is unknown, which makes it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the bottom out force for the Box Mute Jade is 82 grams, indicating a heavier overall typing experience. In contrast, the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is lighter.

Weight is an important factor to consider, as it can influence typing comfort and preference. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making them suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, as they provide a stronger push feel.

In terms of weight, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is heavier both in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. However, as the actuation force for the Yanyu switch is unknown, it is difficult to determine if it is lighter or heavier than the Box Mute Jade. Regardless, based on the provided information, the bottom out force of the Yanyu is lighter than that of the Box Mute Jade, indicating a potentially less intense typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Yanyu's 4 mm travel distance. Both of these distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. However, in recent times, there has been a rise in popularity for shorter travel distances, especially among gamers who desire faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a greater depth in their typing sensation. In such cases, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences for responsiveness and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides a more subdued sound profile compared to other clicky switches, thanks to its crunchy feel. While it still retains the unmistakable clicky sound, it is quieter and less likely to disturb others in shared spaces. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a crisp sound profile that is often described as thocky. This means that when pressed, the Yanyu switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.

In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade switch offers a combination of characteristics. It can be described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. These switches are also on the stiffer side, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a milder and more gentle typing experience. Its feather-light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Yanyu switch also has a polished finish, ensuring a sleek and smooth key travel.

Overall, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade provides a quieter clicky experience with its crunchy feel, while the Yanyu delivers a crisp and satisfying thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade is accented, stiff, and polished, offering a prominent level of tactility and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Yanyu is milder, feathery, and subtly resistant, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced finger strain. Consider your personal preferences and typing requirements when choosing between these switches, and keep in mind that the sound and feel can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prefer a heavier switch with a distinctive clicky sound but a more subdued profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is an excellent choice for you. These switches provide a crunchy feel and a quieter sound signature, making them suitable for those who enjoy a tactile experience without the excessive noise. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter and more delicate typing experience, particularly for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is the perfect option for you. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches offer an effortless and feathery feel, reducing finger fatigue and providing comfort during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Yanyu's material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, adding to the overall satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch comes down to personal preference regarding actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.

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