Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides maximum audio feedback, the Kailh Box White clicky switch might be the perfect choice for you. With its distinctive "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility, typing on these switches is a unique sensory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offers a different typing experience, with a more subtle click and tactile feel. While the Box White is renowned for its resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished characteristics, the Blue Jade is a bit more understated. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
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
The Kailh Box White and the Outemu Blue Jade switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic housings. While the nylon bottom housing in both switches may offer similar sound characteristics, the differences in the top housing material set them apart. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Blue Jade's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition.
The distinct sound profiles created by the top housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Blue Jade switches showcase how different materials can impact the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White emphasizes clarity and resonance, making it ideal for users who prefer a sharper sound when typing. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound, catering to those who enjoy a more muted and rounded typing experience. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, the contrast in their top housing materials results in unique auditory feedback for users.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Blue Jade switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that provides a deeper sound profile, the differences in their top housing materials create distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer the sharp and crisp sound of the Box White's polycarbonate top housing or the muted and rounded sound of the Blue Jade's nylon top housing, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch both have the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that they will require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams, while the Blue Jade requires 65 grams, making the Blue Jade the heavier option. This difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Blue Jade compared to the Box White. So, if you prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Box White may be the better choice, while the Blue Jade is more suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Box White has a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying typing experience for some individuals. Both switches offer a clicky feedback, but the slight difference in travel distance may impact the overall feel of typing or gaming. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is best known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches provides a crisp and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have any specific sound descriptors listed, making it difficult to directly compare the sound quality between the two switches. However, both switches are clicky switches and are likely to produce satisfying audible feedback when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel descriptor provided for the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, making it unclear how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Despite this, both switches are clicky switches, so they are likely to offer a satisfying tactile feel with a pronounced feedback sensation while typing.
Overall, both the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch are clicky switches that are designed to provide maximum audio feedback and tactile sensation for users who enjoy a more immersive typing experience. While the specific qualities of the Blue Jade switch are unknown, it can be expected that both switches will deliver similar results in terms of sound and feel due to their clicky nature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific qualities that each user values in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider the bottom out force and the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a crisp and resonant typing sound with accented tactility, the Box White switch would be a great choice for maximum audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a switch with a higher-pitched sound profile and smooth key travel, the Blue Jade switch may be more suited to your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel and the sound profile you enjoy.
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