Outemu Black vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Black and Outemu Blue Jade are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Black is a linear switch, meaning it provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch that offers both tactile feedback and a satisfying click sound with each press. If you are someone who prefers a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Black may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy the tactile feel and audible feedback of clicking keys, the Outemu Blue Jade could be more suited to your preferences. 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
65g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.50 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
The housing materials of the Outemu Black and Outemu Blue Jade switches differ in their top housing compositions. The Black features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Blue Jade utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both materials are commonly used in switch housings for their unique sound characteristics.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Black and Blue Jade switches feature nylon bottom housings. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Whether it's the Black or Blue Jade, the nylon bottom housing provides a consistent typing experience with its impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Black and Outemu Blue Jade switches vary, they both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Black creates a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar typing experience with its ability to absorb sound and create a rounder sound profile. Overall, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal sound preferences and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Black linear switch to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, the actuation force of the Black is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Blue Jade's lighter 50 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Black is heavier at 82 grams, while the Blue Jade is lighter at 65 grams. This means that the Black switch will require more force to trigger a keystroke and to press all the way down compared to the Blue Jade. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Outemu Black switch, while the Outemu Blue Jade switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it is clear that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar feeling in terms of the distance traveled. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches allows for consistent typing experiences regardless of which switch is being used. Overall, the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offer equal travel distances, making them both viable options for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Black and Blue Jade.
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 Black linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes with a lack of audible feedback, making it a quiet option for those who prefer a silent typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is characterized by its crisp, tactile feedback and loud click sound upon actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy auditory feedback. The Black switch offers a consistent, linear feel whereas the Blue Jade switch provides a more tactile and audible typing experience.
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Black linear switch is often preferred for its quiet operation, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise level is a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch produces a distinctive click sound that some users find satisfying and reminiscent of traditional mechanical keyboards. The sound of both switches can be enhanced or dampened depending on factors such as the keyboard's build quality and the type of keycaps used.
As for feel, the Outemu Black linear switch offers a consistent and smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, providing a linear typing experience that some typists prefer for gaming or fast typing. In comparison, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch features a pronounced tactile bump and audible click, giving typists a more tactile and responsive typing experience that can help improve accuracy and feedback during typing sessions. Both switches have their own unique feel that cater to different preferences in typing style.
Overall, the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a quiet and linear typing experience, the Black switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a tactile and audible typing experience, the Blue Jade switch is a great option to consider. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, you should consider your preferences for keyboard feel and sound. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force and a smooth, linear keystroke, the Outemu Black switch might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue Jade switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what features you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
