TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it's important to note that the Gold Brown offers a balanced typing experience with a slight, satisfying bump and moderate weightiness. The rounded sound profile of the Gold Brown is softer than most switches, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Blue Jade clicky switch doesn't have a specific standout feature but is known for its clicky feedback. While the Gold Brown is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Accented', and 'Polished', the Blue Jade doesn't fall into any specific category. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Blue Jade, we see that the Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Blue Jade utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while nylon tends to elicit a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to the softness of nylon, with the former providing a clearer and resonant sound, and the latter absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder result.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Gold Brown and the Blue Jade incorporate nylon bottom housings. This means that the typing experience on both switches will have a similar deep and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. Despite differences in top housing materials between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of mechanical switches. While the Gold Brown with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Blue Jade's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and fuller sound profile during typing. Understanding the impact of different housing materials can help enthusiasts tailor their keyboard experience to their preferences, whether they prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller tone.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, we see that the Gold Brown requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Blue Jade's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown is lighter at 63 grams while the Blue Jade is slightly heavier at 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Blue Jade for its lower actuation force, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gold Brown with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect a similar tactile feel and typing experience when using either switch. The uniformity in travel distance between the two switches highlights their consistent performance and reliability. Users can confidently choose either switch based on other factors such as actuation force, sound level, and overall typing experience without having to consider the difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a balanced and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have a specific sound description available, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. Sound is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience, with an accented tactile feedback that is not too pronounced. This makes it a versatile option for a wide range of users. The Blue Jade switch does not have a specific feel description available, making it hard to make a direct comparison in this regard. The feel of a switch can also be affected by factors such as lubrication and the overall build quality of the keyboard.
Overall, while both switches offer unique qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown and Outemu Blue Jade switches. If you prefer a balanced and neutral sound profile with a mild and buttery feel, the Gold Brown switch may be the better choice. However, if clicky switches with a tactile bump are more to your liking, the Blue Jade switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, trying out both switches in person or reading more user reviews can help you make an informed decision based on your specific typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider the characteristics of each. Opt for the Gold Brown if you value a balanced typing experience with a moderate bump, weightiness, and softer sound profile. This switch is suitable for various purposes and offers a mild, buttery, accented, and polished feel. On the other hand, choose the Blue Jade if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a clicky feedback. As for sound and feel descriptions for the Blue Jade, further research or user input would be beneficial. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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