Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Blue Jade. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch known for its shorter travel distance, offering a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a smooth and pleasant feel, this switch provides a satisfying level of clackiness. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch that is characterized by a click sound when pressed. While the Blue Jade switch does not have a specific standout feature mentioned, it is known for providing a tactile and auditory typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use; 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
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Blue Jade feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the Blue Jade's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. In terms of bottom housing, both switches have similar characteristics with the Ink Yellow's INK blend offering a thin and higher-pitched sound, and the Blue Jade's nylon bottom housing creating a duller and rounder sound.
The differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Blue Jade also extend to the overall typing experience. The top housing of the switches plays a significant role in the sound produced when pressing a key, with the Ink Yellow's INK blend providing a sharper tone compared to the fuller sound of the Blue Jade's nylon top housing. On the other hand, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed, with the INK blend and nylon materials offering varying levels of impact on the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Blue Jade, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. The unique sound profiles created by the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow and the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade offer users a choice between a clacky and high-pitched sound or a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the bottom housings of both switches contribute to the overall feel of typing, with the INK blend and nylon materials each offering their own distinct characteristics in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it is evident that the Blue Jade is the lighter option with an actuation force of 50 grams compared to the 60 grams of the Ink Yellow. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Blue Jade requiring 65 grams and the Ink Yellow requiring 67 grams. This means that while the actuation force is lighter on the Blue Jade, both switches provide a similar amount of resistance when fully pressed down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Blue Jade for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the more substantial typing experience provided by the heavier actuation force of the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade, making it potentially more favorable for those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Blue Jade's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance for your mechanical keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, providing a balanced typing experience suitable for various users and settings. Additionally, it produces a pleasant clackiness that adds a satisfying element to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch lacks a specific sound description, making it harder to determine the precise auditory experience it offers. When considering the sound quality of these switches, it's essential to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material chosen.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is characterized by a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, it boasts a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction, which enhances the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, information regarding the specific feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch is unavailable, making it challenging to compare directly with the Ink Yellow. Without this information, it is difficult to determine how the typing experience of the Blue Jade switch may differ from the Ink Yellow.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch excels in providing a pleasant sound profile with a clacky feel and smooth key travel, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch presents a bit of a mystery with unknown sound and feel characteristics. If you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile, moderate actuation force, and smooth key travel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you are intrigued by the unknown and enjoy the element of surprise, exploring the sound and feel of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch might provide an exciting new experience. Ultimately, your personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider your preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel. If you prefer a smooth and clacky typing experience that is similar to a laptop keyboard but with a bit of a mechanical feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a sharp sound, the Outemu Blue Jade could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you prefer. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing style best.
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