Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Snow offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch loved for its crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback with a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Snow switch is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative use of POK material, providing a smooth typing experience with a deeper sound signature. If you prefer a more accented and stiff typing experience, the Box Mute Jade may be the switch for you. However, if you lean towards a neutral and bouncy typing feel, the Snow switch could be the better choice. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Snow switches have some notable differences. The Box Mute Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is relatively stiff, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Snow switch uses a POK top housing, which is smooth, clacky, and exceptionally durable. The material has a high coefficient of friction, making it one of the smoothest available, and offers impressive wear and shock resistance.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Dareu Snow switches use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. It absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Having nylon bottom housings in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience with similar sound qualities. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is significant, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Mute Jade and Dareu Snow switches may differ in their top housing materials (polycarbonate for the Box Mute Jade and POK for the Snow), they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel generated by the bottom housing material. However, the top housing material of each switch will contribute unique characteristics to the overall sound and typing experience, with the polycarbonate offering a crisper sound in the Box Mute Jade and the POK material providing smoothness and durability in the Snow.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch differ significantly. The Box Mute Jade has a higher actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Snow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a medium typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Snow switch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while the Box Mute Jade switch may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial and forceful typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing force and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, we can see that the Box Mute Jade has a longer travel distance of 3.6mm compared to the Snow's 3.3mm. The Box Mute Jade offers a slightly longer key press, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Snow switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance - whether you prefer a longer, more substantial key press or a shorter, quicker response. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so choosing one over the other will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
When comparing the sound characteristics, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch produces a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, providing a satisfying clicky experience with a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a deep and rich tone, thanks to its innovative use of POK material in the stem and top housing. While the Box Mute Jade switch leans towards a more muted clicky sound, the Snow switch offers a deeper and more resonant typing experience. Ultimately, the sound preference between these two switches will depend on personal taste and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Box Mute Jade switch is known for its accented and stiff tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the switch is polished for a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and offering smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like and lively feedback sensation when pressed. This difference in feel between the switches caters to different preferences in typing style, with the Box Mute Jade focusing on a balanced tactile experience and the Snow switch providing a more responsive and elastic feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Box Mute Jade switch provides a crunchy and subdued clicky sound with accented and stiff tactile feedback, the Dareu Snow switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with bouncy and responsive key feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that both options deliver a satisfying and unique mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a heavier bottom out force and a quieter sound profile, the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and a deeper sound signature, the Dareu Snow is the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and environment for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
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