Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Maple Leaf

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts are often drawn to the distinct characteristics of each type. The Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch that provides an audible and tactile feedback with every keystroke, making it an appealing choice for typists who enjoy the satisfying "click" sound and the assurance of key activation. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch leans towards a tactile feel, offering a noticeable bump without the loud click, which can be ideal for users looking for a quieter typing experience while still receiving feedback that confirms key presses. Choosing between these two switches largely depends on your personal preference for auditory cues versus subtle tactile responses; while the Blue Jade enhances a dynamic typing experience, the Maple Leaf caters to a more subdued environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Maple Leaf switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which plays a significant role in defining their typing experiences. Nylon, known for being a softer plastic compared to alternatives, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. This is particularly beneficial for users seeking a more muted and round sound while typing, as the material can absorb more sound than harder variants. Given that both the Blue Jade and Maple Leaf switches are built with this classic switch housing material, typing on either model will elicit a similar acoustic experience, ensuring users can enjoy a consistent sound quality regardless of their choice between the two.

Both the Blue Jade and Maple Leaf switches exhibit identical housing characteristics, with nylon present in both the top and bottom housings. As a result, the overall sound profile and typing feel remain consistent across both switch types. Users can anticipate a similar tactile feedback while bottoming out the switch, as the materials used in both housings contribute to a similar response. The shared nylon composition emphasizes the switches' commonality, fostering an enjoyable typing experience characterized by a dulled sound, advantageous for those who prefer a quieter, more office-friendly environment.

While the two switch types are made from the same housing material, their tonal qualities may still vary slightly depending on factors like the switch design and intended user feedback. Notably, while the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound, the top housing will affect the auditory response when releasing a key. Regardless, the shared use of nylon throughout both switches promises that users will experience comparable acoustic and tactile sensations, reinforcing the reliability and uniformity of the Outemu Blue Jade and Maple Leaf switches. Thus, whether one opts for the Blue Jade or Maple Leaf, they can enjoy similarly satisfactory results due to the consistency of the materials employed.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, we find that both have similar bottom out forces, with the Blue Jade articulating at 65 grams, just like its Maple Leaf counterpart. However, the actuation forces differ slightly; the Blue Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Maple Leaf requires a bit more pressure at 55 grams. This means that while both switches share the same resistance when fully depressed, the Blue Jade provides a lighter touch for keystrokes, potentially making it more suitable for users who type for extended periods, like at work or during long gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the Maple Leaf appeals to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, offering a firmer push that some may find satisfying. Ultimately, your preference for a lighter or heavier switch will guide your choice between these two options.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Blue Jade features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Maple Leaf measures at 3.3 mm. This means that the Blue Jade has the longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced press that some users may find satisfying, especially for typists who enjoy a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Maple Leaf, with its shorter 3.3 mm travel, offers quicker actuation, which could appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Maple Leaf is the ideal choice, while those who appreciate a fuller keystroke experience might lean towards the Blue Jade.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch generally produces a sharp, audible click that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This clicky sound is pronounced and can be quite engaging, making it popular among typists who enjoy a more tactile auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch tends to offer a more subdued sound profile, as it does not feature a distinct click mechanism. Instead, it delivers a gentle thock sound that is characterized by its tactile bump without the additional click noise, making it a quieter option for those who might prefer a less disruptive typing experience, particularly in shared environments.

In terms of feel, the Blue Jade switch provides a pronounced tactile feedback accompanied by its clicking mechanism, giving users a tangible sense of each keystroke that enhances typing accuracy and engagement. This is particularly favorable for those who enjoy a responsive typing experience that allows them to feel when a key has been actuated. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch is known for its smooth and cushioned tactile response without the aggressive click. It offers a satisfying bump that is less distracting, appealing to typists who want tactile feedback but with a more muted sensation, ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is essential.

In summary, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch delivers a distinctive sound and a highly responsive feel, perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate the character of clicky switches. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch provides a quieter yet still satisfying tactile experience without the click, catering to those who prioritize a smoother typing encounter. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—whether you’re looking for the engagement of click or the subtleness of tactility, either can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on your needs and environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you're deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, your choice will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate audible feedback while typing and enjoy the distinctive clicky sound that energizes your writing, the Blue Jade might be your go-to option. It's perfect for those who thrive on the auditory confirmation of their keystrokes, making it a suitable choice for a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch would likely serve you better. Its tactile nature allows for a satisfying feel without the noise associated with clicky switches, making it a great option for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches feature a similar medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, so consider your sound and feedback preferences to guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more