Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Lotus 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 Lotus. The Blue Jade switch is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Lotus switch is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. While the Blue Jade switch is ideal for those who enjoy the satisfying clicky sound and precise feedback while typing, the Lotus switch is preferred by users who prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience without any distractions. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Lotus switches use nylon as both their top and bottom housing materials. This commonality means that typing on switches that use either of these switches will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The ability of nylon to absorb more sound than harder plastics creates a duller and rounder sound, making both switches ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing materials, there may be subtle differences in the sound and feel based on the design or other components of the switches. The allocation of housing qualities between the top and bottom housing may also influence the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, for example, may have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing may affect the sound when releasing a key. These nuances can result in slight variations in sound and feel between the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Lotus switches.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Lotus switches share the same nylon housing materials, minor differences in design and housing allocation may lead to subtle variations in typing experience. Both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties, making them suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, individuals may still notice differences in sound and feel between the two switches based on their unique characteristics and design elements.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Jade has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a tactile typing experience with a satisfying click sound. On the other hand, the Lotus has a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a smoother and lighter typing sensation without the audible click. The Blue Jade switch offers a heavier and more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Lotus switch is lighter and more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their own unique advantages, with the Blue Jade providing a more tactile feedback and the Lotus offering a lighter touch for extended use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Blue Jade the switch with the longer travel distance compared to the Lotus. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while a 3.3mm travel distance is slightly shorter but still provides a good amount of responsiveness. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lotus for faster response times, while typists who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Blue Jade. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose based on personal preferences for depth 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 Lotus.
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 well-known for its distinct and loud clicking sound, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch is known for its silent operation, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Blue Jade switch offers a tactile bump with each keypress, providing a satisfying sensation for typists who prefer a more pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Lotus switch offers a consistent linear actuation without any tactile bump, resulting in a sleek and seamless typing feel. Overall, while the Blue Jade clicky switch and Lotus linear switch offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches are high-quality options that cater to different preferences. Depending on whether you prioritize audible feedback or a silent typing experience, you can achieve similar results with either switch by choosing the one that best suits your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, then the Blue Jade would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, then the Lotus would be the more suitable option. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns more with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Jade and Lotus switch will come down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prefer a clicky or linear switch.
Mentioned in this article
