Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and clicky sound of a switch but in a more subdued manner. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is tailored for office environments, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation. While the Box Mute Jade is described as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', and 'Polished', the Gateron Mountain Top is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Mountain Top switches feature top housings made of different materials. The Box Mute Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch uses a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Box Mute Jade and the Mountain Top switches utilize nylon. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Even though the top and bottom housings of both switches are made of the same material, the Box Mute Jade's combination of polycarbonate and nylon still provides a different sound profile compared to the Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top and bottom housings.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Mountain Top switches play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of these switches. While the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing results in a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials contribute to distinct sound characteristics. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound feedback for the user.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch are significantly different. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods of time. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mountain Top, while those who enjoy a heavier feel may prefer the Box Mute Jade. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences, with the Box Mute Jade being heavier and the Mountain Top being lighter.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Box Mute Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Kailh Box Mute Jade may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00.
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 Mute Jade clicky switch offers a distinct "crunchy" sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, providing a clicky experience with a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as having a "neutral" sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of uses without being too loud or obtrusive. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Mute Jade being more audible and tactile, while the Mountain Top offers a quieter typing experience that is well-suited for professional environments.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch offers a combination of characteristics, including being accented, stiff, and polished, providing a tactile typing experience that is not overwhelming but still provides a noticeable bump during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering a smooth and comfortable typing experience with minimal resistance and a gentle rebound sensation. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback that caters to different preferences, with the Box Mute Jade offering a more pronounced tactile bump, while the Mountain Top provides a softer and more effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade provides a louder and more tactile typing experience with a distinct "crunchy" sound, while the Mountain Top offers a more subdued and quiet typing experience that is well-suited for professional settings. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more audible and tactile typing experience or a quieter and smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a switch but prefer a quieter typing experience, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you work in a professional setting where discretion is key and you prefer a lighter actuation force, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and surroundings when making your selection.
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