TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there are certain factors to consider. The Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a subtle and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Blue Jade provides a distinct clicky sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard. While the Gold Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Blue Jade does not have specific categories attributed to it. As a result, choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red and the Outemu Blue Jade, one key difference is the material used for the top housing. The Gold Red utilizes polycarbonate, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder tone. While the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Blue Jade's nylon top housing offers a classic touch with its sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and the Blue Jade utilize a nylon material. Despite both switches using the same material for the bottom housing, the impact of this material differs between the two switches. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile in both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material showcases how certain characteristics can be maintained across different switches even when using the same material.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the switches, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. The differing effects of polycarbonate and nylon on the sound profile of the TTC Gold Red and Outemu Blue Jade switches highlight how subtle variations in housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it is evident that the Gold Red is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Blue Jade is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Gold Red provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Blue Jade offers a more substantial typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel the same distance from the top to the bottom before actuating. This results in a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance between the two switches. So, whether you choose the Gold Red or the Blue Jade, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
Overall, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a deep, satisfying typing sound without being too loud. The switch also provides a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience, perfect for users who enjoy a smooth and refined feel while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have specific descriptions for sound and feel, but generally, clicky switches are known for their audible click sound and tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences; if you enjoy a quieter typing experience with a smooth feel, the Gold Red switch is likely the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more tactile and clicky typing experience, the Blue Jade switch would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance in their respective categories, providing users with a variety of options to customize their keyboard to their liking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth and light-medium resistance typing feel with a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, the Gold Red switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more pronounced clicky sound, the Blue Jade switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in typing feel and sound profile. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best fits your typing style and preferences.
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