Outemu Blue Jade vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and KTT Pine offer distinct qualities for different preferences in typing experience. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch providing audible feedback with each key press, ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine is a linear switch known for its smooth key travel and medium-heavy actuation force, offering a buttery and low-pitched typing sensation. While the Blue Jade is perfect for those who prefer a clicky and responsive feel, the KTT Pine is a great choice for users seeking 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the KTT Pine, we can see that the Blue Jade utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Pine opts for polycarbonate for both components. The use of nylon in the Blue Jade results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate used in the Pine creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer properties. Aesthetically, the Pine's clear polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the switch.
While the Blue Jade and KTT Pine both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they do differ in the overall tone they produce. The Blue Jade with its nylon housing provides a duller and rounder sound, ideal for those seeking a softer typing experience. Conversely, the Pine's polycarbonate housing delivers a more clear and resonant sound, perfect for users looking for a sharper and crisper typing sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
It is worth noting that the impact of the housing material on the switch's sound and feel is influenced by whether the top and bottom housings are the same or different. When the materials are split between the top and bottom, the qualities of each material will be felt accordingly. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In this sense, the interaction between the housing materials and the typing experience is crucial for users to consider when choosing between the Blue Jade and KTT Pine switches.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Pine linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Blue Jade also has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Blue Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly higher resistance to both actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, the Pine switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it easier to type on for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the KTT Pine 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 the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This can result in a consistent typing experience for those who prefer a certain travel distance. The equal travel distance of both switches allows for similar tactile feedback and key response, making them both suitable options for users looking for a specific typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 and KTT Pine switches offer contrasting experiences. The Blue Jade switch is known for its loud and clicky sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and more mellow typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer the sharp click of the Blue Jade or the bassy tones of the Pine.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue Jade and KTT Pine switches also offer differing tactile experiences. The Blue Jade switch's feel is not specified, whereas the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine switch minimizes friction for seamless key travel, resulting in a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a smoother and more uniform keystroke, the KTT Pine switch would be the preferred choice over the Blue Jade clicky switch.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences. The Blue Jade excels in providing a loud and tactile typing experience with its clicky sound, while the Pine offers a smoother and more buttery feel with its medium-heavy actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a satisfying clicky sound or a smooth typing feel. Rest assured, with both switches, you can expect quality and performance that meets the standards of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, you should choose the Blue Jade if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky typing experience. The Blue Jade is a great option for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a mechanical switch. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother, quieter typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the KTT Pine linear switch is the better choice. The Pine switches are known for their buttery smooth feel and minimal friction for effortless key travel. Additionally, the Pine switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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