Kailh Box Navy vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Blue Jade both fall into the clicky switch category, offering a satisfying tactile feedback with audible click sounds. The Box Navy is ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing experience, as well as the distinctive sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Blue Jade lacks specific standout features but still provides a clicky typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Blue Jade, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to stiffer plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Box Navy or the Blue Jade due to their shared bottom housing material.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Box Navy and the Blue Jade differ, with the Box Navy featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Blue Jade utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, nylon, being a softer plastic, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials results in a noticeable difference in the sound produced by the two switches. Users who prefer a clearer and more resonant sound may lean towards the Box Navy with its polycarbonate top housing, while those seeking a deeper and rounder sound may opt for the Blue Jade with its nylon top housing.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and the Outemu Blue Jade ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound, the differing top housing materials offer distinct sound profiles. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing delivers a crisper and higher-pitched sound, ideal for those who prefer clearer sound output. In contrast, the Blue Jade's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to users looking for a more rounded sound profile. Ultimately, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it is clear that the Box Navy is the heavier option. The Box Navy requires an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, making it a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Blue Jade is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel. Both switches offer a satisfying clicky sound when typing, but the Box Navy offers a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a heavier key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Blue Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Navy. A 0.4 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can affect the overall feel and performance of the switch. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Box Navy would be the better option. However, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to it, the Blue Jade would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50, whereas the Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10.
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 Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience that is reminiscent of classic mechanical keyboards from the past. The high-pitched sound profile and clean, sharp click create an immersive auditory experience for those who enjoy a clicky switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. The distinct tactile bump and firm actuation force provide a satisfying typing sensation for those who prefer a heavier keypress. Without information available on the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch, it is tricky to draw a direct comparison between the two switches in this regard.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a heavy, clicky switch with a resonant sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Navy switch would be an excellent choice. However, if the subjective qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade switch align with your preferences, you may also achieve a similar typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and Outemu Blue Jade clicky switches, it all boils down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a heavy typing experience with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, then the Box Navy switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are not too concerned about sound or tactile feedback, then the Blue Jade switches could be more suited to your preferences. Remember to consider your typing needs and preferences when making your decision and test out different switches if possible to see which one suits you best.
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