Outemu Blue Jade vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to evaluate are the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the Kailh Sage, which is also a clicky switch. The Blue Jade switch is best known for its categorization as a tactile switch. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is praised for its distinct clicky typing experience, featuring a heavy weight and sharp clickiness that many find invigorating. While each switch has its own unique characteristics, both offer a satisfying typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
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 the Kailh Sage switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Blue Jade's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sage's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, both the Blue Jade and the Kailh Sage switches feature nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. This commonality in material leads to a similar sound profile when typing on switches that utilize nylon for their bottom housing. However, the differences in their top housing materials still result in distinct sound profiles overall when comparing the two switches.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in the sound and feel experienced when typing. The split between the bottom and top housings in a switch determines how the sound is affected when pressing down on a key versus releasing it. While both the Outemu Blue Jade and the Kailh Sage switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housing, the different top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate create unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch to the Kailh Sage clicky switch, the actuation force and bottom out force are slightly different. The Blue Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sage, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Blue Jade at 65 grams and the Sage at 70 grams. This means that while the Blue Jade may feel slightly lighter during typing, both switches still provide a substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and whether a lighter or heavier weight is preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is 4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Jade being slightly longer than the Sage. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sage, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Blue Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
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 and Sage switches offer different auditory experiences. The Blue Jade's sound profile is currently unknown, while the Sage is known for its crunchy clicky noise that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This unique sound can add a satisfying element to typing sessions, although the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Jade switch has an unknown tactile feel, whereas the Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp. An invigorating switch provides moderate to firm actuation force, crisp feedback, and a reactive feel that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the sharp tactile bump of the Sage switch offers intense feedback with each keypress, creating a distinctive and tactile sensation that some users may prefer.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Blue Jade and Kailh Sage switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Blue Jade's sound and feel characteristics are currently unknown, the Sage switch is praised for its crunchy clicky sound and invigorating, sharp tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, if a user enjoys the aspects of a crunchy clicky switch with pronounced feedback and a tactile bump, they may find similar results with either the Blue Jade or Sage switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy clicky switch with a distinct and sharp clickiness, you may want to choose the Outemu Blue Jade. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy clicky switch with a crunchy sound and invigorating feel, the Kailh Sage may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Happy typing!
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