Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are many options available to cater to different preferences. Two popular switches worth comparing and contrasting are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Yellow Silver. If you enjoy the satisfying clicky feel of a switch but prefer a more subdued sound, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a slight bump and a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky, sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. This makes it a great option for gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Outemu Yellow Silver have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, both switches will provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Mute Jade utilizes nylon, while the Yellow Silver also incorporates nylon in its construction. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the typing experience on both switches will differ slightly, with the Box Mute Jade offering a deeper sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each material are split between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing will have a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing will primarily influence the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, the combination of different housing materials in each switch will result in variations in the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a crucial role in the tactile feedback and sound generated during key presses.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that they have differing levels of weight. The Box Mute Jade is on the heavier side, with an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Box Mute Jade requires a stronger push to trigger a keystroke and also provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. In contrast, the Yellow Silver offers a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for longer periods of typing or extended gaming sessions. However, if one is seeking a similar result, both switches require a force to actuate and bottom out, albeit with different intensity levels. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences, with some favoring a lighter weight for prolonged use and others desiring a heavier feel for a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Yellow Silver has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Mute Jade. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered the norm, while 3.0 mm is considered on the shallower side. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you value a more responsive typing experience, the Box Mute Jade with its shorter travel distance would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down a key, the Yellow Silver with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch provides a unique and distinctive experience. It is often described as "crunchy" which refers to the sound resembling that of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This switch offers a clicky sound profile, but with a more subdued volume compared to other clicky switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is described as neutral. It has a moderate sound profile that is neither too loud nor too quiet. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps you pair it with, so keep that in mind when considering the overall sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch provides an accented tactile experience. This means that it offers a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It provides a noticeable bump in the key press, giving you a satisfying tactile feedback without being too pronounced. Additionally, the switch has a stiffness to it, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This means that you'll need to apply a bit more pressure when pressing the keys. Furthermore, these switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to an overall sleek feel while typing.
In contrast, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch.
Overall, if you prefer a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a unique combination of accented tactile feedback, stiffness, and a polished finish, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be a suitable option. While we don't have specific information on its feel, it is favorable for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. Keep in mind that the ultimate typing experience also depends on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps you use.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be the ideal choice for you. With its heavy bottom out force of 82 grams, you'll experience a crunchy feel and a quieter clicky sound. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade provides a polished and refined typing experience due to its smooth finish and reduced friction. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing or gaming, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be a great option. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, this switch offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced users and can be used at home or in the workplace. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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