Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Two popular choices in the clicky switch category are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Melodic. The Box Mute Jade is favored for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a clicky switch but prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a buttery feel and resonant clicky sound. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, but the Jade leans towards a stiffer and polished sensation, while the Melodic exudes an invigorating and smooth 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
75g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Melodic switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer polycarbonate material allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users looking for a vibrant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for those who want to showcase RGB lighting in their keyboards. However, since both switches utilize the same material for their top housing, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Melodic switches differ in their bottom housing material. The Box Mute Jade features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the Melodic switch also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, users can still expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, with subtle variations in sound profile.
When it comes to typing on switches with different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the key press experience. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. With the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Melodic switches, users can enjoy a combination of sharp, crisp sound from the polycarbonate top housing, and a deep, full sound from the nylon bottom housing. This unique combination of materials in each switch provides a dynamic typing experience that caters to a wide range of preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it's clear that the Box Mute Jade is the heavier option. The Box Mute Jade has an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, while the Melodic has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the lighter of the two. The difference in weight between the two switches may appeal to different preferences among users. Some may prefer the lighter Melodic switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier feel of the Box Mute Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Melodic has a longer distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Box Mute Jade may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Gateron Melodic may provide a more substantial key press experience. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Box Mute Jade offering a quicker, more responsive feel, and the Gateron Melodic delivering a deeper, more pronounced key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's desired level of responsiveness and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The Kailh Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 offers a crunchy and clicky sound profile reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, providing a satisfying auditory experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch delivers a resonant and clean sound that is higher-pitched and sharp, offering a different immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer a unique sound profile that caters to individual preferences, with the Box Mute Jade focusing on a more subdued clicky sound, while the Melodic provides a classic clicky sound with a touch of smoothness.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is described as accented, stiff, and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback with a refined and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch is characterized as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. While the Box Mute Jade switch requires a higher actuation force and offers a more tactile typing experience, the Melodic switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation with a moderate to firm actuation force.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade switch is known for its crunchy and clicky sound profile with a subdued tone, paired with a tactile and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch provides a resonant and clean sound with a touch of smoothness, coupled with a buttery and invigorating typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for sound profile, tactile feedback, and typing experience. Both switches offer excellent performance in their respective categories, providing a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a quieter clicky sound with a crunchy feel, then the Box Mute Jade is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a clicky sound with a more resonant and crunchy profile, along with a smooth and invigorating typing feel, then the Gateron Melodic would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal typing preferences and which characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what suits you best.
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