Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch and can't decide between a clicky switch or a tactile switch, let's take a closer look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Jwick Taro. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying crunch and a quieter sound profile. It provides a slight bump and unmistakable clicky sound when typing. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch that boasts a comfortable and subdued typing experience. It has a snappy, medium-level of tactility and produces acute and crisp clacks. The Box Mute Jade is categorized as accented, crunchy, stiff, and polished, while the Taro is described as neutral, buttery, and stepped. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch is perfect for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Jwick Taro both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Not only does polycarbonate offer excellent sound characteristics, but it also provides a clear and resonant sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting effects when using either switch.
The differences between the Box Mute Jade and the Taro lie in their bottom housings. While the former utilizes a nylon bottom housing, the latter also adopts this classic switch housing material. Typing on both switches that feature nylon housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, the switches produce a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a more subdued sound experience with both the Box Mute Jade and the Taro.
It is important to note that the qualities brought about by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, users will feel the impact of the bottom housing, as it has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the nuances in sound and feel between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Jwick Taro can be attributed to the differences in their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box Mute Jade has a relatively heavy actuation force of 75 grams, requiring a significant amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Taro switch is unavailable, making it difficult to determine how it compares. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Mute Jade is even heavier with 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Taro switch may be more suitable as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger and more pronounced typing feel, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Mute Jade would be more ideal. Overall, weight considerations play a crucial role in determining the typing experience, with lighter options suiting those who type for longer periods and heavier ones providing a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Jwick Taro tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, the Box Mute Jade offers a slightly shorter distance to travel. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Box Mute Jade may be the better choice for you. This shorter travel distance allows for faster response times, making it a preferred option among gamers. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more pronounced typing experience, the Taro with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. It's important to consider personal preference and typing style when selecting a switch with the desired travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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, you will experience a slight bump while typing and hear a quieter, yet unmistakably clicky sound. The Jwick Taro tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility. The sound it produces is described as acute and crisp clacks.
In terms of sound, the Box Mute Jade switches have a crunchy sound profile, most commonly associated with clicky switches. It is comparable to the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The Taro switches, on the other hand, have a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate sound level suitable for various purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Box Mute Jade switches are described as accented, meaning they provide a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They are also considered stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out. Additionally, these switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. The Taro switches, on the other hand, offer a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They can be compared to a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Taro switches are also described as stepped, meaning they have a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switches are known for their crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, while the Jwick Taro tactile switches offer a cozy typing experience with snappy tactility and acute clacks. The Box Mute Jade switches are accented, stiff, and polished, providing a medium amount of tactility, requiring more force to actuate, and offering a smooth typing experience. The Taro switches, on the other hand, are buttery and stepped, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with mild tactile feedback. While they have different characteristics, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a more subdued sound profile, then the Kailh Box Mute Jade would be the perfect choice for you. It offers a heavy bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a solid and satisfying feel when pressing the keys. With its crunchy sound signature, it evokes the sensation of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Jwick Taro would be an excellent option. It offers a snappy and medium-level of tactility, giving you a comfortable typing experience. With its acute and crisp clacks, the Taro provides a pleasant sound profile described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the Taro is described as having a buttery keystroke experience, offering a smooth and fluid typing sensation.
Ultimately, your choice between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch depends on your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a clicky switch with a crunchy sound and a heavier feel, the Box Mute Jade is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a tactile switch with a neutral sound and a medium-heavy feel, the Taro is the better option. Consider your typing style and preferences to make an informed decision.
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