Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch. The Blue Jade switch is known for its audible click and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of each key press. On the other hand, the Brown switch offers a quieter typing experience with a gentle tactile bump, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle feedback while typing. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 key difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Brown lies in the top housing. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Brown has a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This difference in top housing material can significantly impact the typing experience and sound produced by these switches.
While the top housing of the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Brown differs, their bottom housings share the same nylon material. This means that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile on the bottom-out due to the softness of nylon that absorbs more sound. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the overall sound and feel when pressing down a key on either switch. Despite the differences in their top housings, the similar bottom housing ensures that the typing experience on both switches will have comparable qualities in terms of sound and feel.
It is important to note that the housing materials of a switch play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing materials can affect how the switch sounds when pressed down and released. In the case of the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Brown, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the top housing results in distinct sound profiles. While the bottom housing material remains the same, the different top housings create noticeable differences in the sound produced by each switch. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials is essential for selecting a switch that aligns with one's desired typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In comparison, the Outemu Brown tactile switch has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Both switches require a similar amount of force to bottom out, providing a consistent typing experience in that aspect. However, the Blue Jade is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Brown switch. This means that the Blue Jade may feel slightly easier to press down for some users, allowing for faster typing speeds or extended typing sessions without as much fatigue. On the other hand, the Brown switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more tactile typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, meaning that they both offer the same amount of key travel for users. This allows for a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose to use. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key travel and feedback when typing on either switch. The 4mm travel distance on both switches provides a satisfying tactile response while typing, with the Blue Jade offering a clicky sound and the Brown offering a tactile bump without the audible click. Overall, whether you prefer the clicky feedback of the Blue Jade or the tactile bump of the Brown, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with the same travel distance.
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 Blue Jade and Brown.
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 Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its sharp, audible click when pressed, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is renowned for its quiet operation with a slight bump in the keystroke, offering a more subtle typing experience compared to the Blue Jade. When it comes to sound, the Blue Jade emits a distinct click noise, while the Brown switch provides a quieter typing experience. In terms of feel, the Blue Jade switch offers a crisp tactile feedback with each keystroke, whereas the Brown switch provides a smoother, more subtle tactile bump. Overall, the Blue Jade switch is preferred by users looking for a more pronounced clicky sound and tactile feedback, while the Brown switch is favored by those seeking a quieter, more refined typing experience. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, as both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when looking to choose between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a loud and clicky typing experience, the Blue Jade may be the better choice for you. The Blue Jade provides a tactile feedback with an audible click that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a subtle tactile bump, the Brown switch may be more suitable for your needs. The Brown switch still offers a tactile feedback without the loud click, making it a good choice for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a more discrete typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you prefer - a loud and clicky one with the Blue Jade, or a quieter and more subtle tactile one with the Brown.
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