Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Kailh Box Navy
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Box Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, Kailh offers two popular options: the Box Mute Jade and the Box Navy. If you enjoy the tactile feel and audible feedback of a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued sound, the Box Mute Jade is the perfect choice for you. Its distinct characteristics include an accented feel, a crunchy feedback, stiffness, and a polished performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy typing experience and appreciate the vintage charm of a clicky switch, the Box Navy switches are a great fit. With their sharp tactility, resonant sound signature, invigorating feel, crunchiness, and stiffness, these switches evoke nostalgic memories of the buckling keyboards of the 80s. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
90g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Box Navy share similar housing materials, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, whether you choose the Box Mute Jade or the Box Navy, you can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting.
Where the Box Mute Jade and the Box Navy differ is in their nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that offers distinct characteristics. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade and the Box Navy contributes significantly to the sound and feel when bottoming out the key, providing a unique tactile experience.
In summary, while both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Box Navy feature polycarbonate top housings and provide similar sound profiles and compatibility with RGB lighting, their differentiation lies in the nylon bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of each switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel, offering a deeper and fuller typing experience. Therefore, when deciding between the Box Mute Jade and the Box Navy, consider the desired sound and tactile feedback, as well as any preference for RGB lighting, to make an informed decision.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the Box Navy's 60 grams. On the other hand, the Box Navy has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, while the Box Mute Jade has a bottom out force of 82 grams. Both switches have a heavy bottom out force, but the Box Navy is slightly heavier in this aspect.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it affects the typing experience and usability. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue, making it ideal for those who use the keyboard extensively for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel to have a more substantial typing experience, and for them, switches with heavier forces are more suitable.
In terms of actuation force, the Box Mute Jade requires a heavier force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Box Navy. This means that a slightly stronger press is required to register a keystroke on the Box Mute Jade. However, for those who type with a lighter touch, the Box Navy may offer a more favorable actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, both switches fall under the heavy category. However, the Box Navy is slightly heavier, requiring more force to fully depress the key. This can result in a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for individuals who prefer a stronger bottoming out sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch depends on personal preference and typing style. Those who favor a lighter actuation force may opt for the Box Navy, while those who prefer a heavier feel may lean towards the Box Mute Jade. Overall, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their own distinct actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent and similar tactile feedback when pressed, as they both require the same amount of force to reach their bottom position. Whether you choose the Box Mute Jade or Box Navy, you can expect a satisfying and precise key press experience with a travel distance of 3.6 mm.
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 Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50.
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
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch have distinct differences in both sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade offers a more subdued sound profile with a quieter yet unmistakably clicky sound. It provides a slight bump when typing, and the crunchy feel is not overwhelming but still present. On the other hand, the Box Navy switch offers a highly resonant sound profile with a clean and sharp tone. It also has a crunchy feel and provides a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. Both switches have a stiff feel, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. However, the Box Mute Jade is also described as having an accented feel, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Box Navy, on the other hand, offers an invigorating switch experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Overall, if you prefer a clicky switch with a more subdued sound and a medium level of tactility, the Box Mute Jade is a great option. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a resonant sound profile and a strong tactile presence, the Box Navy is the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the feel of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. It offers a slightly quieter click while still providing a satisfying crunch with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience and love the classic clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is the perfect fit. With its heavier bottom out force and vintage buckling keyboard sound signature, it provides a satisfying and immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether you prioritize a quieter experience with a satisfying feel or a heavier typing experience with a classic sound, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Kailh Box Navy have unique features that cater to different preferences.
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