Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Tom offer distinct typing experiences. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its audible click noise and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tom is a tactile switch, providing a softer tactile bump without the loud click sound. Choosing the Blue Jade may be preferable for those who enjoy the satisfying click with each keystroke, while the Tom could be more suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback. 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
55g
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
3.30 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 housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Tom switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Blue Jade's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature, leading to a more clear and resonant profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual appeal of the switch.
On the other hand, both the Blue Jade and Tom switches share a nylon bottom housing material, providing a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material ensures that the switches maintain a similar tactile feel and sound when the bottom housing comes into play during key presses. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a rounder and duller sound experience common to both switches. Despite the differences in their top housings, the shared bottom housing material creates a sense of uniformity in typing experience between the two switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Blue Jade and Tom switches vary, their impact on the overall typing experience is distinct. The qualities of each housing material are dispersed between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. This split in housing materials allows for a diverse range of sound profiles and tactile responses, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Whether it's the softer nylon of the Blue Jade or the stiffer polycarbonate of the Tom, both switches offer unique typing experiences that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Jade is lighter in terms of actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Tom at 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Jade is heavier at 65 grams, while the Tom does not have a specified bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Blue Jade, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Tom. Both switches provide different tactile feedback and actuation forces, catering to a variety of preferences for mechanical keyboard users.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Blue Jade has a longer travel distance compared to the Tom, which means that it requires a slightly deeper press to actuate the key. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more defined actuation point and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tom with its shorter travel distance may be preferred by those who prioritize faster response times and a more responsive typing experience. Both switches offer their own advantages based on personal preference, with the Blue Jade providing a deeper key press and the Tom offering a quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
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 Tom.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its loud and satisfying click with a high-pitched tone, making it a popular choice for users who enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for its quiet and subtle bump, providing a more tactile feedback without the loud click, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It's important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its pronounced tactile bump and light actuation force, offering a responsive and clicky typing experience that some users find very satisfying. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is recognized for its smooth and subtle tactile bump, providing a more cushioned feel with a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the Blue Jade. This can result in a typing experience that is quieter and smoother, but still offers a tactile feedback for users who prefer a more gentle key press.
Taking into account the subjective qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Jade excels in providing a loud and clicky typing experience with a light actuation force, while the Tom offers a quieter and smoother typing experience with a more pronounced tactile feedback and slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with both options guaranteeing a reliable and responsive typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides an extremely clicky and tactile typing experience, you may want to choose the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Blue Jade offers a medium-heavy typing experience that is satisfying for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you are seeking a quieter typing experience with a softer tactile feel, the Outemu Tom tactile switch may be the better option for you. While the bottom out force of the Tom is not available, it is known for its smooth and subtle tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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