Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Dustproof Blue both offer a clicky typing experience that many users appreciate. The Blue Jade switch is best known for its tactile feedback and audible click, making it a popular choice among typists and gamers who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue switch is designed to prevent dust and debris from entering the switch, ensuring a longer lifespan for the keyboard. While both switches fall under the clicky switch category, the Blue Jade offers a traditional clicky feel, whereas the Dustproof Blue provides added durability. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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
The key difference between the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Blue lies in their top housing materials. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper and more resonant sound. While the Blue Jade offers a duller and rounder sound, the Dustproof Blue provides a crisper and higher-pitched tone. The choice between the two housing materials ultimately depends on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preference, with nylon offering a more muffled sound and polycarbonate delivering a clearer sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Blue Jade and the Dustproof Blue feature nylon bottom housings. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Whether typing on the Blue Jade or the Dustproof Blue, users can expect a consistent sound profile and feel attributed to the nylon bottom housing. This similarity in bottom housing materials ensures that the typing experience on both switches remains relatively unchanged, focusing more on the differences in the top housing materials for variations in sound profile.
The split nature of housing materials in switches allows for a unique typing experience based on the qualities of the top and bottom housings. While the bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. In the case of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Blue, the contrast between their nylon and polycarbonate top housings showcases the distinct sound profiles each material can create. Despite both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, the difference in top housing materials results in varied sound experiences, catering to different preferences and needs for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them both medium-heavy switches. In terms of weight, both switches offer a similar typing experience with a balance between lightness and heaviness. This means that users will get similar results in terms of typing comfort and feedback when using either switch. Some may prefer the lighter weight for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, these switches are equal and you will get similar results when typing with either one.
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 Dustproof Blue.
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 unique clicky sound that is crisp and satisfying, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch is also known for its clicky sound, but it is designed to minimize dust and debris from entering the switch, making it a more durable option in the long run. When it comes to feel, the Blue Jade switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback with each keystroke, resulting in a responsive typing experience. The Dustproof Blue switch is similar in terms of feel, offering a tactile bump and satisfying click, but with the added benefit of dustproofing for longevity. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their distinct qualities, so choosing between the two would depend on whether durability or a unique sound is more important to the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, you should consider the bottom out force, sound, and feel that each switch offers. If you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a satisfying click and tactile feedback, the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a dustproof design to keep your keyboard clean and protected, the Dustproof Blue switch would be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.