Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and Outemu Blue Jade offer distinct typing experiences for users to consider. The Outemu Lime switch is a tactile option that stands out for its lightweight feel, subtle tactile feedback, and silenced operation. Perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility, the Lime switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is a clicky option with a different typing feel compared to the Lime. While there is less information available about the Blue Jade, it is still worth considering for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience. These general pointers offer a brief overview of each switch, but to make the best decision, it's important to delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Lime and Outemu Blue Jade switches utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing material, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile during typing. The nylon material is known for being relatively softer compared to other plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a duller, rounder sound. This characteristic is attributed to the nylon's ability to dampen the noise generated during key presses, creating a more enjoyable typing experience for users of both switches.
Despite sharing the same housing material, the Outemu Lime and Outemu Blue Jade switches feature different tactile and audible characteristics due to their unique design elements. The Outemu Lime switch is specifically engineered to provide a tactile bump during actuation, resulting in a satisfying tactile feedback for users. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade switch offers a clicky feedback with an audible click sound for each key press, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfying click noise. These distinct design features play a significant role in determining the overall feel and sound produced by each switch.
While both switches may share the same nylon housing material, the Outemu Lime and Outemu Blue Jade switches offer users a choice between a tactile bump and clicky feedback, respectively. The tactile feedback of the Lime switch emphasizes a smooth key press with a noticeable bump, while the Blue Jade switch provides a more pronounced click sound with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience, with the housing material contributing to a consistent deep and full sound profile for both switches.
Weight
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Outemu Lime switch would be the optimal choice, while users looking for a heavier typing experience would likely prefer the Outemu Blue Jade switch. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their actuation and bottom out forces, ultimately catering to a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lime offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade, providing a quicker response time favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Blue Jade offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of travel distances commonly found in mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40, whereas the Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10.
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
The Outemu Lime tactile switch is praised for its lightweight feel, approachable tactility, and silenced sound profile, making it a popular choice among tactile enthusiasts looking for a gentle typing experience. The switch offers a mild and feathery feel, reducing finger fatigue and providing a comfortable typing experience for extended use, whether for gaming, school, or work. The subtle and polished nature of the switch further enhances the overall typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction.
On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have any specific descriptions available for its sound and feel qualities at this time. However, clicky switches are typically known for producing a satisfying click sound with each key press, adding a unique auditory feedback to typing. In terms of feel, clicky switches often offer a more pronounced tactile bump compared to tactile switches, providing a more defined typing experience.
Overall, while the Lime and Blue Jade switches may have different sound and feel characteristics, they both offer their own unique benefits and can cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a lightweight and silenced typing experience, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying click sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light typing experience with a touch of tactility and want a quieter option, the Outemu Lime switch with its 45-gram bottom out force and muted sound profile is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and don't mind a bit more actuation force, the Outemu Blue Jade switch with its 65-gram bottom out force could be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for key feel, sound profile, and typing experience.
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