Outemu Blue Jade vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch, present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Jade is known for its satisfying click and tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its smooth and buttery keystrokes, providing a seamless typing experience without any audible clicks. While the Blue Jade offers a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Piano excels in providing a smooth and quiet 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Durock Piano, both switches have unique top housing materials that contribute to a deep and satisfying sound profile. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, known for creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing, which also offers a deep sound profile but with a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional materials like nylon.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Blue Jade and the Durock Piano play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Both switches have bottom housings made of different materials, with the Blue Jade using nylon and the Piano incorporating a proprietary POM blend. While both materials contribute to a deep and fuller sound profile, the specific properties of each material may impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch differently. It is important to consider how the bottom housing material can affect the overall typing experience when choosing between these two switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Durock Piano contribute to a unique typing experience by enhancing the sound profile of each switch. While the Blue Jade's nylon housing may provide a slightly duller sound compared to the Piano's POM blend housing, both switches offer a deep and satisfying typing experience. Whether it is the top or bottom housing material, each switch brings its own characteristics to the table, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Jade is lighter in actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Piano's unknown force. However, both switches share a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Blue Jade requiring 65 grams and the Piano 63.5 grams. The difference in actuation force suggests that the Blue Jade may provide a slightly lighter typing experience, which can be favorable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Piano switch offers a similar bottom out force, providing a substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is crucial as it affects the overall typing experience and tactile feedback. In this case, both switches provide a consistent travel distance, ensuring a similar typing feel no matter which one is chosen. This means that users can expect to get similar results in terms of keypress depth and feedback from either switch. Whether preference lies towards a clicky switch like the Blue Jade or a linear switch like the Piano, both options offer the same travel distance for a reliable and uniform typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 a sharp, crisp click with a high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch boasts a deep, creamy sound signature with a bassy tone that offers a richer sound experience during key presses. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, offering a personalized typing experience depending on your preference for higher or lower frequency sounds.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided. On the contrary, the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its frictionless and silky feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience without any sense of resistance or friction. This fluid travel experience enhances the overall smoothness of typing, providing a pleasant tactile sensation with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Jade provides a sharp and clicky sound without a specific feel descriptor, the Durock Piano switch delivers a deep, creamy sound with a frictionless and silky typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for sound and typing experience, ensuring that you'll get satisfying results based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are not particularly concerned with sound and feel, the Blue Jade may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a deep, bassy sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so selecting the one that aligns best with your needs will enhance your overall typing experience.
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