Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Gateron Oil King
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Oil King switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are endless options to choose from. Two popular and contrasting switches to consider are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Oil King. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying tactile feedback, while maintaining a quieter sound profile compared to other clicky switches. On the other hand, the Oil King is a linear switch that offers a smooth and buttery keystroke experience, with a sound profile that is reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. These switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Box Mute Jade is perfect for those who enjoy the crunchy feel of a clicky switch, but want a more subtle sound, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Conversely, the Oil King is ideal for individuals who prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience, accompanied by a dark chocolate-like sound. However, let's delve deeper into the characteristics of these switches to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Oil King differ in their housing materials. The Box Mute Jade uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This material is relatively stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, if you prioritize a switch with a sharper and clearer sound, the Box Mute Jade with its polycarbonate top housing is a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, the Gateron Oil King with its nylon top housing is the better option.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Box Mute Jade and the Oil King incorporate nylon as the material. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Hence, both switches will provide a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. However, it's worth noting that the Box Mute Jade's overall sound will be influenced more by the polycarbonate top housing, while the Oil King's sound will be influenced more by its nylon top housing. Therefore, if you prioritize the sound when releasing a key, the Box Mute Jade is the better choice, while the Oil King is ideal for those who prefer a clacky sound.
In conclusion, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Gateron Oil King comes down to personal preference. The Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, making it suitable for those who prefer a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches provides a similar deeper and fuller sound experience. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, ideal for individuals who prefer a duller and rounder sound. Furthermore, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing adds a pointed and high-pitched characteristic, resulting in a satisfyingly clacky sound. Ultimately, understanding the impact of different housing materials allows you to select the switch that best aligns with your preferred sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences. The Box Mute Jade boasts a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Oil King offers a relatively lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, falling into the medium-heavy range. This makes the Oil King more suitable for individuals who prioritize a lighter typing experience, perfect for prolonged periods of typing or extended gaming sessions. While the forces of these switches vary, it is important to note that both options provide distinct results depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that the Box Mute Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm. Traditionally, a 4.0mm travel distance is considered standard, while 3.0mm is considered more shallow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity among gamers, as they provide faster response times. In this regard, if one prefers a more responsive feel, the Box Mute Jade with its shorter travel distance would be the preferable option. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Oil King with its slightly longer travel distance might be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the desired tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $6.50. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Box Mute Jade and Oil King.
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 clicky switch offers a more subdued yet unmistakably clicky sound signature. It provides a quiet experience with a slight bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. It offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a crunchy feel with a subdued sound, the Box Mute Jade is a great choice. If you enjoy a buttery smoothness and a darker chocolate bar snapping sound, the Oil King linear switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
In closing, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is a great choice for those who enjoy a more subdued yet unmistakably clicky sound profile. These switches offer a slight bump and a quieter sound signature, perfect for those who prefer a crunchy feel and a noise level that won't disturb others. With a bottom out force of 82 grams, these switches provide a heavy typing experience that requires more force to actuate and bottom out. Additionally, the Box Mute Jades have an accented, stiff, and polished feel, offering a medium amount of tactility, reduced friction, and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is a fantastic option for anyone who values a smooth and buttery typing experience. These switches are known for their buttery, silky, and creamy feel, offering a seamless and effortless typewriter sensation. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Oil Kings provide a medium-heavy typing experience that requires slightly less force compared to the Box Mute Jades. In terms of sound, the Oil Kings have a low-pitched and bassy tone, reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a crunchier and quieter clicky switch, the Box Mute Jades are the way to go. However, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Oil Kings are the perfect fit. Assess your desired typing experience and sound preferences to make an informed decision. Happy typing!
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