Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, it's important to consider the specific features and characteristics of each. The Blue Jade is best known for its clicky feedback, providing a satisfying audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, along with a unique bottom-out sound reminiscent of raindrops and a distinct top-out sound. While the Blue Jade is categorized as a clicky switch, the Red Panda falls under the tactile category. Both switches have their advantages and appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Red Panda switches provide distinct sound profiles due to their differences in material composition. The Blue Jade's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer plastic nature. While the Blue Jade elicits a duller and rounder sound, the Red Panda creates a more clear and resonant sound, especially suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Blue Jade and Red Panda switches utilize nylon material, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile characterized by the softer plastic's sound absorption properties. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel across both switches. The impact of the bottom housing material is notable in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switches, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining overall switch performance.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Red Panda switches showcase how different material compositions can influence sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Blue Jade creates a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda produces a sharper and crisper sound. Despite their differences, both switches share a commonality in using nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deep and full sound profile. Understanding the unique characteristics of each housing material helps enthusiasts select switches that align with their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the actuation force is the same at 50 grams for both switches. However, the Blue Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Red Panda has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Blue Jade requires a slightly stronger push for a more substantial typing experience, while the Red Panda offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. For those who prefer a lighter weight for extended typing periods, the Red Panda would be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more robust typing feel, the Blue Jade would be the preferred option. Both switches provide similar actuation forces, so users can expect consistent results in terms of keystroke activation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Blue Jade has a longer travel distance compared to the Red Panda. The longer travel distance of the Blue Jade may provide a more robust and satisfying key press, making it a good option for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or individuals looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their travel distance, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 Blue Jade switch is known for its crisp clicky sound, similar to that of the popular Cherry MX Blue switch. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a unique thocky sound profile, providing a deeper and more satisfying typing experience. The sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's build and keycaps used, so it's essential to consider the overall setup when choosing a switch based on sound preferences.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Jade switch is recognized for its tactile bump at the actuation point, giving typists a responsive and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Red Panda switch offers a mild tactile feel, providing a gentler typing experience compared to more pronounced tactile switches. Both switches fall within the category of tactile switches, offering a satisfying feel for users who prefer tactility in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provide distinct sound and feel experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Blue Jade switch boasts a crisp clicky sound and a pronounced tactile bump, while the Red Panda switch offers a thocky sound and a mild tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether you opt for the clicky Blue Jade or the tactile Red Panda, both switches offer quality performance for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a louder typing sound, then the Blue Jade might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a more subtle typing sound, then the Red Panda could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing sensation and sound profile you prefer during your daily keyboard use.
Mentioned in this article
