Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Milk Blue mechanical keyboard switches, both being clicky switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Blue Jade is known for its tactile feedback and audible click, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the Milk Blue also offers tactile feedback and an audible click, but with a smoother and quieter typing experience compared to the Blue Jade. While the Blue Jade may be preferred for its pronounced click sound, the Milk Blue might be favored by those who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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
N/A
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 main difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Milk Blue switches lies in their top housings. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Milk Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Milk Blue's clear polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting, while the Blue Jade's opaque nylon top housing does not.
Both the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Milk Blue switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deep and full sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer nature. The similarity in bottom housing material results in a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile for both switches. This consistency in bottom housing material may lead to similar typing experiences for users who prefer the softer feel and sound provided by nylon housing. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is important for the overall typing experience, and the nylon material in both switches ensures a uniform experience in this regard.
In terms of performance, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Milk Blue switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel. The nylon top housing of the Blue Jade offers a mellower sound with deeper tones, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Blue delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Users who prioritize RGB lighting may prefer the Milk Blue for its clear polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more subdued sound profile may lean towards the Blue Jade with its opaque nylon top housing. Overall, both switches provide a consistent and reliable typing experience with slight differences in sound and feel based on their top housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a similar typing experience in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the Outemu Blue Jade switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel compared to the Outemu Milk Blue switch, for which the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Outemu Milk Blue switch may be more appealing as it offers a potentially lighter typing experience without the information on the bottom out force. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch could be more suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the weight of the switches plays a significant role in determining the typing feel and comfort level for long typing sessions or gaming.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance means that you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience when using either switch. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is identical, making them equally suitable options for those who prefer a tactile typing experience with a 4 mm 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 Milk 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both provide a satisfying click with each keypress. The Blue Jade switch is known for a crisp and loud click, which can be reminiscent of typewriters, while the Milk Blue switch is said to have a slightly softer and quieter click. However, the actual sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by the keyboard they are used in and the keycaps attached to them.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is often praised for its tactile feedback and pronounced bump when the actuation point is reached. This can result in a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more tactile switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for a smoother keystroke without as much tactile feedback, giving a lighter and less intense typing feel. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the strong feedback of the Blue Jade switch while others may opt for the smoother feel of the Milk Blue switch.
Overall, both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on whether you prefer a louder, more tactile typing experience or a quieter, smoother one, you can choose between these two switches to suit your preferences. Keep in mind that individual typing feel and sound experience can also vary based on factors such as keyboard build and keycap material, so it's recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one best suits your typing style.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile feedback with a clicky sound, then the Blue Jade switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a similar clicky sound, but without the tactile feedback, the Milk Blue switch might be more suitable. Consider how you type, the sound you prefer, and the feel that is most comfortable for you when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that enhances your overall typing experience.
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