Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Cold Plum 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 and the Outemu Cold Plum. The Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch that is best known for its tactile feedback and audible click with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke and a thocky sound profile, thanks to its fully nylon construction. While the Blue Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the audible feedback of a clicky switch, the Cold Plum is perfect for enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience with a satisfying sound. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Both the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Cold Plum switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic. This characteristic allows for a rounder and duller sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. The use of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel, making them suitable for those who prefer a softer and deeper typing sound.
However, despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing materials, there may be slight differences in the sound and feel between the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Cold Plum. The slight variations could stem from the design or construction of the switches, leading to subtle differences in the sound produced when typing on each switch. These nuances may be noticeable to users who are particularly sensitive to sound or those who have a preference for a specific typing experience, making the choice between the two switches a matter of personal preference.
In conclusion, the similarities in housing materials between the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Cold Plum switches provide users with a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel. Both switches offer a deep and full sound profile attributed to the nylon top and bottom housings, which absorb more sound than harder plastics. While there may be slight differences in sound and feel between the two switches, the overall typing experience is likely to be comparable. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Cold Plum may come down to individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch. The Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, with the Cold Plum requiring slightly more force to actuate and bottom out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Blue Jade, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Cold Plum. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force, with slight variations based on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Blue Jade has a longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the Cold Plum's shorter travel distance makes it a better choice for individuals looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their travel distances, and whether you prioritize depth or speed in your typing experience will determine which switch is the better option for you.
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 Cold Plum.
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 Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its loud and clicky sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which is a deeper and quieter sound compared to the Blue Jade. If you prefer a more pronounced and audible sound while typing, the Blue Jade may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a quieter and more subtle sound, the Cold Plum switch is a great option to consider.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Blue Jade is known for its tactile feedback and clicky feel, giving typists a noticeable bump when the key is actuated. This can provide a more engaging typing experience for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, providing a consistent typing experience without the distraction of a tactile bump. If you prefer a linear switch with a smooth keystroke, the Cold Plum switch might be the better choice for you.
In conclusion, when comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Blue Jade offers a loud and clicky typing experience with tactile feedback, while the Cold Plum provides a quieter typing experience with a smooth keystroke. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and overall typing experience you want to achieve when choosing between these two switches. Both switches are of good quality and will provide a satisfying typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile feel with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Blue Jade switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and thocky sound profile with a slightly higher actuation force, the Cold Plum switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard.
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