Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Blue Jade stand out as popular options with their own unique characteristics. The Cherry MX Brown is a tactile switch that is renowned for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its tactile bump and audible click sound. While the MX Brown is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', 'Low-pitched', the Blue Jade lacks any specific categorization. If you prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown may be the way to go. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Blue Jade switches, both switches use nylon for their top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the properties of nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The result is a duller and rounder sound when typing on either of these switches. In terms of sound production, the nylon housing in both switches creates a similar typing experience with a consistent sound profile.
However, while both the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Blue Jade switches share the same housing material, they may differ in terms of their tactile feedback. The Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its tactile bump in the middle of the keypress, providing a subtle tactile feedback for typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch offers a clicky and tactile feedback with a pronounced tactile bump and an audible click sound. This difference in tactile feedback may affect the typing experience for users who prefer a specific type of feedback when typing.
Furthermore, the bottom housing of a switch can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down. Although both the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Blue Jade switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the design and construction of each switch may result in a slightly different typing feel. Therefore, while the housing materials may be the same for these switches, factors such as tactile feedback and overall typing experience may vary between the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Blue Jade switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch differ in their weight. The MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Blue Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. Some users may prefer the MX Brown for its lighter feel, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while others may opt for the Blue Jade for a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of how far the keys travel when pressed. However, despite having the same travel distance, the two switches offer different tactile feedback and sound profiles. The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch provides a subtle bump in the middle of the keystroke and operates quietly, making it a popular choice for office settings. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offers a more pronounced tactile bump and produces a loud clicking sound, which may be preferred by gamers and typists looking for audible feedback while typing. Ultimately, while the travel distance remains consistent between the two switches, the overall typing experience will vary based on personal preference for tactile feedback and sound.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, 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 Cherry MX Brown switches are characterized by a bassy and low-pitched profile, providing a deeper and richer typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switches do not have any specific sound descriptors provided, but are known for their loud and clicky nature, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback with each key press. Depending on your preference for a subtle and smooth sound versus a loud and clicky one, you can choose between the two switches accordingly.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are described as textured, offering a slight resistance and friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users for a tactile typing experience. Meanwhile, there is no specific description provided for the feel of Outemu Blue Jade switches. However, based on their clicky nature, they are likely to offer a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Cherry MX Browns. If you enjoy a more textured and tactile typing experience, the Cherry MX Browns may be the better choice for you.
Overall, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a subtle and smooth typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback and a bassy sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade switches are known for their loud clicky sound and are likely to offer a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to find the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and Outemu Blue Jade clicky switches, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience with subtle tactile feedback and quieter keypresses, the MX Brown switches are a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and a clicky sound with each key press, the Blue Jade switches may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentler typing experience or a more tactile and auditory one. Choose the switch that aligns with your personal preferences for typing comfort and sound feedback.
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