TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Blue Jade offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is a linear switch best known for its stunning light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who prefer a visually striking backlit or RGB keyboard setup. Typing on the Flame Red provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, offering a balanced experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch that lacks a distinct standout feature, categorized as more conventional. While both switches have their strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide which switch is best for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Blue Jade switches are quite similar as they both utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housing. Therefore, both switches are likely to offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing typically has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. This means that even though both the Flame Red and Blue Jade switches use nylon for their housing, the specific design and composition of their top and bottom housings may still affect the overall typing experience in slightly different ways.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Blue Jade switches are the same, the nuances in their design and construction may lead to subtle variations in sound and feel when typing. Both switches offer a deep and full sound profile thanks to the acoustic properties of nylon, but the distribution of these qualities between the top and bottom housings could result in minor differences in the overall typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the preferred choice for each individual user.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Blue Jade's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the Flame Red also requires less pressure at 54 grams compared to the Blue Jade's 65 grams, resulting in a softer typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Flame Red, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Blue Jade. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. However, it is worth noting that the tactile feedback and actuation force of these switches may differ, leading to a different typing experience overall. In terms of travel distance alone, both switches offer the same distance for a satisfying keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral profile that strikes a balance between actuation force and sound level, making it versatile for various settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's hard to compare directly in terms of acoustics. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In the realm of feel, the Flame Red switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key presses. This combination of gentle actuation and reduced friction appeals to a wide range of users. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch are not available, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, if you are looking for a tactile and audible typing experience, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch may offer a satisfying clicky sound without information on the feel. However, if you prefer a more subtle and smooth typing experience with a visually appealing light diffuser for a backlit keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch could be your ideal choice. Both switches have their strengths, so consider your preferences in feel, sound, and aesthetics before making a decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prioritize a visually stunning and well-lit keyboard, the Flame Red switches are the way to go. The tactile smoothness and clacky sound profile of the Flame Red switches make them a great option for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky sound experience, the Outemu Blue Jade switches might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and aesthetic appeal. Make sure to consider these factors and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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