Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Silent Ocean offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean is a linear switch, providing a smooth keystroke without any audible click. While the Blue Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the satisfying tactile response and loud click, the Silent Ocean is preferred by those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a consistent keystroke. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Silent Ocean lies in their top housing materials. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic that provides a clear and resonant sound. This contrast in materials leads to a noticeable difference in sound output and overall typing experience between the two switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blue Jade and the Silent Ocean share the same nylon material. This means that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a similar experience between the two switches. Despite the bottom housing being consistent, the distinct characteristics of the top housing materials in the Blue Jade and Silent Ocean still play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile and typing sensation of each switch.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Silent Ocean greatly impacts the sound and feel of typing. The nylon top housing of the Blue Jade produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deep and full sound profile during bottom-out. Understanding the differences in housing materials is crucial for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience based on sound preferences and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in that aspect. However, the Blue Jade requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams. This means that the Blue Jade switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience, while the Silent Ocean switch will be lighter and potentially more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the weight of the keystrokes, with the Blue Jade offering a heavier touch and the Silent Ocean providing a lighter feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and actuation regardless of which switch they choose. Both switches offer a satisfactory travel distance, making them suitable choices for typing or gaming.
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 Silent Ocean.
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 is known for its loud and satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is designed to be nearly silent, offering a quiet typing experience ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. The Blue Jade switch will provide a more tactile and audible typing experience, while the Silent Ocean switch offers a smooth and quiet keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Blue Jade clicky switch provides a tactile bump with each key press, giving typists a noticeable feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean linear switch offers a consistent, smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who prefer a linear feel. Typists who enjoy a clicky, tactile typing experience will lean towards the Blue Jade switch, while those who prefer a smooth, linear feel will appreciate the Silent Ocean switch.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a loud, tactile typing experience, the Blue Jade switch may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a quiet, smooth typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch would be the better choice. Both switches offer high-quality performance and durability, so you can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of which one you choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you're looking for a switch with a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Blue Jade would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Silent Ocean linear switch would be more suitable. Consider the type of typing experience you prefer, whether you prioritize sound or feel, and how much force you prefer to apply when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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