Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Silver offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its tactile and audible feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy the satisfying click sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Silver is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke without the audible click, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Each switch has its own advantages and reasons for choosing, but ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preference and typing style. 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Silver switches, a key difference lies in the top housing material used. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile attributed to its stiffer plastic composition. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a mechanical keyboard.
Interestingly, despite the differences in top housing material, both the Outemu Blue Jade and Silver switches share a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs sound effectively. As a result, users can expect a similar sound experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel when typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. This commonality in the bottom housing material highlights how certain housing materials can provide consistent performance across different switch variants.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and Silver switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Blue Jade's nylon housing offers a deeper and rounder sound, the Silver's polycarbonate housing delivers a crisper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the visual aesthetics of the switches can also play a role, with the translucent nature of polycarbonate being more suitable for RGB lighting effects. By understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, keyboard enthusiasts can make an informed decision based on their desired typing experience and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch which requires 45 grams to actuate. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy switches overall. This means that when typing on either switch, you will experience a similar level of resistance when bottoming out a key, providing a consistent typing experience in that regard. The difference in actuation force may be noticeable to some users, with the Blue Jade requiring a slightly firmer press to register a keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some favoring the lighter actuation force of the Silver for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the Blue Jade for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance from the top to the bottom. Despite their different switch types (clicky vs. linear), the travel distance remains the same for both. This similarity ensures that users will get a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel, ultimately resulting in similar results regardless of which switch is used.
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 Silver.
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 key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch offers a quieter typing experience with no audible click. The sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by the keyboard case and keycap material used.
In regard to feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is praised for its tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump when actuating the key. Conversely, the Outemu Silver switch offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump, allowing for a consistent typing experience. The feel of a switch is a crucial factor to consider for users who prefer a certain level of feedback and resistance in their typing.
Overall, the Outemu Blue Jade and Silver switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Jade offers a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Silver provides a smooth and quiet alternative. Depending on personal preference, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and desired level of feedback. It's important to note that both switches are well-constructed and reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound, the Blue Jade switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience with a linear feel, the Silver switch may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer a 65-gram bottom out force, making them ideal for those who prefer a medium-heavy key press. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and typing style when deciding between these two switches.
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