Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Milk Tea 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 Milk Tea. The Blue Jade switch is a clicky switch, providing a satisfying audible click with each keypress. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is a tactile switch, offering a subtle bump in response when a key is actuated. The Blue Jade switch is favored by those who enjoy the auditory feedback of a clicky switch, while the Milk Tea switch is preferred by those who value a tactile sensation while typing. 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
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Milk Tea switches, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top housing. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound. However, the Milk Tea switch has a brighter sound signature as a result of its Ly top housing material, providing resonant clacks when typing. This contrast in sound profile between the two switches showcases how different materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Blue Jade and Milk Tea switches use nylon for this component. As a result, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be consistent between the two switches, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The impact of the bottom housing material is primarily felt during bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. While the bottom housing material may be the same for both switches, the choice of top housing material ultimately determines the unique sound signature and feel of each switch.
In considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that the choice of materials plays a significant role in the sound profile and feel of a switch. While both the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Milk Tea switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in top housing materials results in distinct sound signatures for each switch. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound profile of the Blue Jade or the brighter resonant clacks of the Milk Tea, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience for users.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Blue Jade requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Blue Jade a medium-heavy switch in terms of overall force needed for both actuation and bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Tea, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Blue Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance of travel. The shorter travel distance of 4 mm on both switches compared to other switches on the market may result in a quicker typing experience for some users, as there is less distance for the key to travel before actuation. Overall, the travel distance of both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offers a consistent and efficient typing experience for those who prefer a shorter keypress.
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 Tea.
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 loud and clicky sound, which is reminiscent of traditional mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is known for providing a more subdued and subtle sound, making it a more suitable option for those looking for a quieter typing experience. When considering the sound of these switches, it is important to take into account the overall setup of your keyboard, including factors such as the material of the keyboard casing and keycap design.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is praised for its tactile bump and satisfying click, providing a responsive typing experience that is favored by many enthusiasts. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offers a softer and more tactile typing experience, with a bump that is less pronounced than the Blue Jade switch. The feel of a switch is a highly personal preference, so it is recommended to try out both switches to determine which one suits your typing style best.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Jade switch is ideal for those who enjoy a loud and clicky typing experience, while the Milk Tea switch is a great option for users seeking a quieter and more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing habits, as both switches offer high-quality performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a satisfying clicky sound, the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a tactile bump without the noise, the Milk Tea could be the better option. Consider your typing style, whether you prefer a clicky or tactile feel, and your noise tolerance when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages and it's important to choose the one that suits your needs and preferences best.