Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Dustproof Red offer distinct typing experiences. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. If you prefer a satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, the Blue Jade may be the better choice for you. However, if you value a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Dustproof Red could be more suitable. 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
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 main difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Red lies in their top housing. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Dustproof Red incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer plastic material that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the choice between them ultimately depends on the desired sound experience - a more rounded sound with nylon or a clearer sound with polycarbonate.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blue Jade and the Dustproof Red share the same nylon material. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Whether it's the Blue Jade or the Dustproof Red, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, maintaining consistency in the typing experience for both switches.
Overall, the difference in housing materials between the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Dustproof Red impacts the sound profile of the switches. While the Blue Jade with its nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Dustproof Red with its polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and clearer sound. Regardless of the differences in the top housing, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for sound characteristics desired during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Jade is the heavier of the two, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Dustproof Red's actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams. The Blue Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, while the Dustproof Red provides a lighter touch with medium forces. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Dustproof Red for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while those seeking a more robust typing experience may prefer the Blue Jade. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either key, you'll feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The Blue Jade switch provides a satisfying clicky feedback while typing, while the Dustproof Red switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience. Despite their different characteristics, the travel distance remains consistent between the two switches, resulting in similar results when it comes to the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
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 Red.
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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, the Blue Jade is known for its loud and satisfying clicky sound, reminiscent of a typewriter. On the other hand, the Dustproof Red is known for its quiet and smooth linear action, making it ideal for a more subdued typing experience. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
Moving on to the typing feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is praised for its tactile bump and audible click, providing a highly satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, making it a popular choice among gamers and those who prefer a linear switch for its straightforward actuation. The typing feel of each switch can be further customized by adjusting factors like actuation force and keycap profile.
In conclusion, when considering the subjective qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it is clear that they offer distinctly different experiences. The Blue Jade excels in providing a tactile and audible typing experience with its clicky nature, while the Dustproof Red offers a quiet and smooth typing experience suited for those who prefer a linear switch. Depending on personal preference and intended use, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to a variety of typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's typing preferences and the desired sound and feel for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a satisfying clicky sound and a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Blue Jade switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear keystroke with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Dustproof Red switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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