Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Red. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Red is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump or audible click. While the Blue Jade is preferred by those who enjoy the satisfying sound and feedback of a clicky switch, the Red is favored by users who prefer a quieter and more consistent 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Red switches differ in terms of the top housing material used. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Red switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The aesthetic difference is also notable, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the opaque nylon of the Blue Jade offers a more traditional look.
Both the Blue Jade and Red switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deep and full sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the typing experience on both switches will elicit a similar sound quality. However, the differentiation in the top housing material will affect the overall sound profile and aesthetic appeal of the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and Red switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic. The Blue Jade's nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Red's polycarbonate housing, which produces a clearer and more resonant sound. Both switches offer a deep and rich typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing, but the top housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, whether you prefer a softer, more absorbent sound or a crisper, more resonant sound will guide your decision between the Blue Jade and Red switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Blue Jade is 65 grams, while the Red's is 62 grams. This makes the Blue Jade switch slightly heavier overall in terms of actuation and bottom out force. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Blue Jade may be the preferred option due to its heavier forces. On the other hand, the Red switch offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter actuation force is desired. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience each individual user is seeking.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in that aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance may result in a consistent typing experience across both switches. Their equal travel distances make them ideal choices for those looking for a standard keypress feel without any significant differences in distance traveled.
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 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
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its loud and satisfying click sound. It provides a tactile feedback that many users find enjoyable, especially for typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch lacks the audible click of the Blue Jade and offers a smoother keystroke without any tactile bump. The Red switch is preferred by those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Jade is known for its tactile bump that provides a pronounced feedback with each key press. This tactile bump gives typists a clear indication that the key press has been registered. In contrast, the Red switch offers a linear keystroke without any tactile bump, making it smooth and consistent with each press. Typists who prefer a more predictable and linear feel may opt for the Red switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience, perfect for typists who want to feel and hear every key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch is better suited for those who prefer a quiet and smooth keystroke, without the tactile feedback of a clicky switch. Each switch offers a different typing experience, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference in sound and feel when typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feel, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience that is both responsive and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Outemu Red linear switch with a bottom out force of 62 grams would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Jade and Red switches comes down to your personal preference in sound and feel while typing. Whichever switch you choose, you can be sure that Outemu switches offer a high-quality and reliable option for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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