Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch. The Blue Jade switch is best known for its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy the audible confirmation of key presses. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch is renowned for its tactile bump without the loud click noise, providing a more subtle typing experience that is still responsive and precise. If you prefer a clicky switch with audible feedback, the Blue Jade may be the way to go, whereas if you prefer a tactile switch without the noise, the Crystal Brown could be the better choice. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Crystal Brown, the key difference lies in the materials used for the top housing. The Blue Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast in materials leads to a noticeable difference in sound characteristics between the two switches, with the Blue Jade offering a rounder sound and the Crystal Brown providing a clearer and more resonant sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blue Jade and the Crystal Brown share a nylon construction. This results in a similar typing experience for both switches, as nylon's softer plastic quality helps absorb sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the bottom housing may not vary between the two switches, it plays a crucial role in impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound and typing experience from both the Blue Jade and the Crystal Brown in this aspect.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly influence the typing experience and sound characteristics. The Blue Jade and the Crystal Brown showcase how different materials can produce distinct sound profiles, with nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant sound produced by polycarbonate. Despite sharing a nylon bottom housing, the contrasting top housing materials of the two switches result in a unique typing experience, making each switch suitable for different preferences and preferences in sound profile. Whether opting for the deeper sound of the Blue Jade or the crisper sound of the Crystal Brown, users can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both offer unique characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Jade requires 65 grams, while the Crystal Brown only needs 55 grams. This makes the Blue Jade a more substantial typing experience, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Crystal Brown offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the differing actuation and bottom out forces cater to individual preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will get a similar tactile feedback and key travel experience. Therefore, the travel distance for both switches is equal, offering a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is used. With a travel distance of 4 mm, both the Blue Jade clicky switch and the Crystal Brown tactile switch provide a satisfying typing experience while maintaining a consistent key 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 Crystal 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 producing a loud, satisfying click sound that is sure to delight those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch provides a softer, more subtle bump feeling without the audible click, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Blue Jade will give you a more pronounced click while the Crystal Brown will provide a more subdued noise level, catering to different preferences in typing sounds.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offers a tactile bump sensation that is quite prominent, giving typists a clear indication of when the key press has been actuated. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch provides a smoother, more subtle tactile feedback that is less pronounced compared to the Blue Jade. This difference in feel can significantly impact the typing experience, with the Blue Jade offering a more tactile response while the Crystal Brown provides a gentler feedback.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a loud and clicky typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Blue Jade may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a softer tactile feedback, the Crystal Brown would be the more suitable choice. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choosing between them will depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a more tactile and satisfying typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Crystal Brown switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a clicky and audible typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Blue Jade switch might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches have their own unique characteristics when it comes to sound and feel, so it's important to test them out before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to your personal typing style and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
