Outemu Blue Jade vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, individuals often find themselves debating between the clicky Outemu Blue Jade and the linear HC Studio Roselle. The Blue Jade switch is well-regarded for its satisfying click sound, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Roselle switch stands out for its remarkably smooth and frictionless keystrokes, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. While the Blue Jade offers a tactile experience with its pronounced clickiness, the Roselle provides a quieter and smoother 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue Jade and HC Studio Roselle switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, but they use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Blue Jade utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Roselle uses POM for both the top and bottom housing, creating a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper and more muted side. Despite the difference in housing materials, both switches offer a sound experience that is distinct and engaging.
However, when examining the individual impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound profile of the switches, differences become more apparent. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, with the Blue Jade's nylon bottom housing contributing to a duller and rounder sound compared to the Roselle's POM bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key, with the Blue Jade's nylon top housing creating a deeper and fuller sound, while the Roselle's POM top housing results in a more muted sound profile. These nuances in sound are what distinguish the two switches from each other.
In essence, while the Outemu Blue Jade and HC Studio Roselle switches may have similar overall sound profiles due to their use of either nylon or POM housing materials, the differences in top and bottom housing materials lead to distinct tactile and auditory experiences. The Blue Jade with its nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Roselle with its POM housing produces a more muted and unique sound profile. Ultimately, it is the combination of these housing materials in each switch that creates a signature typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we see that the Blue Jade is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Roselle is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. The Blue Jade provides a medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Roselle offers a medium-light touch, perfect for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches provide distinct tactile feedback, but the difference in weight makes them suitable for different preferences. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Roselle would be the better choice, while if you prefer a heavier feel, the Blue Jade would be the way to go.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Jade has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Roselle's 3.6 mm. The 0.4 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can have a significant impact on the typing experience. The Blue Jade's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and tactile feedback, ideal for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the Roselle's shorter travel distance can offer a quicker response time, which is advantageous for gamers or those who prioritize speed and precision. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Blue Jade offering a more traditional typing feel and the Roselle catering to those who favor a shorter key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its loud and satisfying click with a high-pitched tone. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a more subtle and low-pitched sound profile, characterized by its bassy and neutral tones. The Blue Jade provides a more dramatic auditory feedback, while the Roselle delivers a smoother and deeper sound during key presses.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click, providing a satisfying typing experience with a noticeable feedback. Meanwhile, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch stands out for its frictionless and mild typing sensation, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke with minimal resistance. The Roselle switch offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience compared to the more pronounced characteristics of the Blue Jade.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel, they both provide unique and satisfying typing experiences. The Blue Jade excels in providing a loud and tactile feedback with a high-pitched sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle offers a smooth and deep sound profile with a frictionless and mild typing feel, catering to those who prefer a more subtle and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, so the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, you should first think about your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel, the Blue Jade with 65 grams of force may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light feel, the Roselle with 52 grams of force would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prioritize a clicky typing experience, the Blue Jade is the way to go. However, if you value smoothness and a low-pitched sound, the Roselle would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider these factors carefully to ensure you select the switch that best meets your needs and enhances your typing experience.
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