Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct experiences for users. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, providing a satisfying audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow is a tactile switch, offering a subtle bump in the keystroke to indicate actuation. While the Blue Jade is favored by those who enjoy auditory feedback and precision typing, the Cream Yellow appeals to users who prefer a smoother typing experience with a tactile response. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
pom
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches are both made of nylon, which is a classic switch housing material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to nylon's relatively softer plastic composition, it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using nylon housing. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches deliver a similar sound experience to users, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
However, while both the Blue Jade and Cream Yellow switches feature nylon top and bottom housings, the specific design and color of each switch set them apart. The Blue Jade switch is known for its vibrant blue color and tactile feel, providing a distinct typing experience that some users prefer for its pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch features a softer and smoother actuation, making it ideal for those seeking a more subtle typing experience with minimal noise and resistance. These differences in design and feel cater to individual preferences and typing styles.
Despite the variations in color and tactile feedback between the Outemu Blue Jade and Cream Yellow switches, their nylon housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. Whether it's the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, or the top housing influencing the sound upon key release, both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. This commonality ensures that users can expect a similar level of noise dampening and overall typing satisfaction from either switch, making them reliable choices for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a quality typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Jade has a slightly heavier feel compared to the Cream Yellow. The Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Blue Jade switch requires a bit more force to register a keystroke and fully press down compared to the Cream Yellow switch. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a slightly lighter feel, the Cream Yellow would be the better option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Blue Jade would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of typing experience and the desired weight of the key presses.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer travel distance option, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter travel distance option. The Blue Jade offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers or those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Cream Yellow.
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 satisfying click with each key press. This can be attributed to the distinct tactile bump and audible click mechanism in the switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is known for its quieter sound profile due to the lack of a click mechanism. This makes it a great option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch offers a tactile and clicky typing experience with a pronounced bump and satisfying feedback. This can make typing feel very tactile and responsive, which some users enjoy for both typing and gaming purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch provides a tactile bump without the loud click, offering a smoother typing experience compared to the Blue Jade. This can be preferred by users who enjoy a tactile feel without the added noise.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Jade provides a loud and tactile typing experience, the Cream Yellow offers a smoother and quieter alternative. Depending on personal preference and typing environment, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, you should consider the bottom out force and your personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a clicky switch, and a louder typing experience, the Blue Jade may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a tactile switch, and a quieter typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on what typing experience you value most.
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