Gateron Beer vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch. The Gateron Beer stands out with its mesmerizing translucent green color and lightweight feel. It offers a stepped tactility, providing a subtle tactile feedback that is different from the usual round tactility of other switches. Additionally, it produces a characteristic clacky sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade doesn't have a specific unique selling point mentioned, but it falls under the clicky switch category. While the Beer switch is praised for being easy-to-press and having a clacky sound, the Blue Jade switch may offer a louder and more pronounced clicky sound, which some users prefer. 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
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Outemu Blue Jade, it is evident that they offer different sound profiles based on their composition. The Beer's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer nature. This makes it ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Blue Jade's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Beer's polycarbonate and the Blue Jade's nylon materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing adds to the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Blue Jade's nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound. This dual housing setup allows for a more balanced typing experience, with different characteristics influenced by each material. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Beer and Outemu Blue Jade switches have distinct housing materials with different properties, they both offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel when typing on a keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it's clear that the Beer is lighter overall. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Blue Jade requires more force to both trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Beer. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Beer may be the more suitable option. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Blue Jade provides a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch at 4 mm. The difference of 0.6 mm may not seem like much, but it can significantly impact the typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Beer switch may be preferred by those looking for quicker response times, especially gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Blue Jade switch may provide a more satisfying and substantial keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is renowned for its characteristic clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have a specific sound descriptor listed, so it's safe to assume that it may not have the same distinct sound profile as the Beer switch. However, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy to press with gentle resistance during key presses, which requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch offers a unique typing experience with a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, there is no specific feel descriptor provided for the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, so it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of feel.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a distinct clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are unsure about the sound and feel of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, you may want to try it out in person or seek more information before making a decision. It's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more subtle tactile feel with a characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a clicky switch without specific sound or feel preferences mentioned for the Blue Jade, then the Outemu Blue Jade switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience.
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