Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a satisfying clicky experience, yet with a more subdued sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade is the switch for you. Its crunchy feel and quieter click make it a popular choice for those who enjoy the tactile feedback without the loud noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch is worth considering. With its bouncy feel and excellent factory-lubing, this switch offers a refined and fluid key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness. Both switches have their own unique qualities, and considering your personal preferences beyond these generalities will help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the KTT Orange switches share some similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, their translucent nature makes them ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch's polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the switches differ in their material choice. The Box Mute Jade employs a nylon bottom housing, while the KTT Orange utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Orange contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, similar to its polycarbonate top housing.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the user will feel the impact and experience the qualities of the bottom housing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the sound experienced when releasing a key is influenced by the properties of the top housing. Therefore, while both switches offer similar sound profiles through their polycarbonate top housing, the choice of either a nylon or polycarbonate bottom housing will impact the overall typing experience, resulting in variations in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, we can see clear differences. The Box Mute Jade has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Orange has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, allowing for a more effortless keystroke activation. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is heavier at 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Orange has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, resulting in a less forceful keystroke when fully pressed.
Weight plays an essential role in the typing experience, as it affects both comfort and efficiency. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the KTT Orange linear switch, as it allows for longer typing periods and is suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial keystroke and a satisfying push feel may prefer the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In terms of weight, the Box Mute Jade is heavier overall, while the Orange can be considered medium-light in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the user's preference for typing effortless or substantial keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating a more responsive typing experience. Gamers especially tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. If you prefer a more immediate and snappy feel when typing or gaming, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a suitable choice since it has the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper and more substantial key press, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, whether you choose the shorter or longer travel distance is a matter of personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is best known for its crunchy feel and more subdued sound profile. When using these switches, there is a slight tactile bump and a quieter clicky sound. The sound can be described as similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile. These switches have a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound produced by the Orange switch can be described as low-pitched. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade switch provides an accented tactile experience. It offers a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch has a slightly stiffer feel compared to other switches, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out. The switch is also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The polished finish and factory lubing reduce friction and ensure smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy feel with an elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel and provide rebound when pressed. The switch is designed to be frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. The absence of resistance or friction when pressing the keys allows for fluid travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound, accentuated tactile feedback, a stiffer force requirement, and a polished finish for reduced friction. The KTT Orange switch, on the other hand, offers a bouncy feel, a low-pitched sound, a frictionless typing experience, and rebound when pressing the keys. Based on this information, it is clear that these switches will provide different experiences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a switch but prefer a quieter sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. With its heavy bottom out force of 82 grams, it provides a satisfying crunch and a smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a low-pitched sound profile and a spring-like feedback sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for audible feedback, key feel, and typing experience.
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