Gateron Mountain Top vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Mountain Top from Gateron is designed for office environments, providing a quiet and subdued typing experience without sacrificing comfort. It is described as 'bouncy', 'easy-to-press', 'mild', 'neutral', 'snappy', and 'subtle'. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback. While the Blue Jade switch does not have specific characteristics listed, it is generally favored by those who enjoy a satisfying click with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and Outemu Blue Jade switches, both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing. This commonality means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The nylon material in both switches is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
Despite the similarities in housing material, the Gateron Mountain Top and Outemu Blue Jade switches may differ in how the qualities of the nylon material are split between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing of a switch tends to have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the typing experience on each switch may vary slightly, with the bottom housing potentially affecting the overall typing feel more prominently in one switch compared to the other.
Ultimately, while both the Gateron Mountain Top and Outemu Blue Jade switches share nylon housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the division of qualities between the top and bottom housing may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. It's important to consider how the housing material interacts with other components of the switch design to determine which switch aligns best with individual preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, the Gateron Mountain Top is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade is heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying weights. The lighter actuation force of the Gateron Mountain Top may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless and smooth typing experience, while the heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade may suit those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Mountain Top has the shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Blue Jade may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but ultimately the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, with a mild and subtle resistance that is gentle on the fingers. This switch also offers a snappy and responsive feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is unknown, so it's challenging to compare the two directly in this aspect.
Overall, for a quiet and discreet typing experience suitable for office environments, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is a great choice. With its neutral sound profile and bouncy, easy-to-press feel, it provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience. While the qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch are unknown, if you're looking for a similar typing experience to the Gateron Mountain Top, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Always consider your personal preferences and typing needs when choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and light typing experience for office use, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch with its 50-gram bottom out force would be a great choice. It offers a subtle and bouncy feel, making typing effortless and comfortable in professional settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy 65-gram bottom out force, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch might be the right fit for you. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound, as well as the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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