Outemu Blue Jade vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Outemu Blue Jade and Huano Sakura offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch that provides audible feedback with each keystroke, making it a suitable choice for typists who enjoy the tactile response and the satisfying sound of their keys being registered. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura is a linear switch renowned for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize smooth and rapid key presses, especially during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. While the Blue Jade offers an engaging and rhythmic typing experience, the Sakura ensures a quieter and more seamless feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue Jade and Huano Sakura differ significantly in their top housing materials, which results in distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Blue Jade employs nylon for its top housing, renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Sakura utilizes POK (polyketone) as its top housing material. POK is exceptionally smooth, offering a slight advantage in friction over nylon. Additionally, it contributes to a clacky sound profile rather than the muffled characteristics associated with nylon, providing a different typing experience. Therefore, while both materials have their merits, they lead to notably different sound dynamics and tactile feedback in the typing experience.
On the bottom housing front, both the Outemu Blue Jade and Huano Sakura make use of nylon, which fosters a consistent auditory profile between the two. The nylon used in both switches produces that sought-after deeper sound, confirming that the bottom housing substantially impacts the overall typing feel and sound when the key is bottomed out. The similarities in the bottom housing material mean that users can expect comparable sound absorption properties in both switches upon keypress, producing a rounder sound when the switches are engaged. Thus, while the top housings yield distinct auditory experiences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a unified sound profile when the keys reach their lowest point.
When considering the overall performance of these switches, the contrast between the top and bottom housing materials is crucial for understanding how each switch feels and sounds during use. With the Blue Jade’s nylon top producing more muted tones, paired with a nylon bottom that enhances that dull sound, users may favor it for a softer typing experience. Conversely, the Huano Sakura's POK top creates a sharper, clakier sound, complemented by the nylon bottom for added depth. While different in auditory characteristics, both switches will deliver a similar underlying sound quality when pressed, thanks to their nylon bottom housings. Overall, the properties of each material play a critical role in crafting the typing experience unique to each model, while still providing a common ground in terms of sound profile due to their shared bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sakura's lighter 35 grams. This difference makes the Blue Jade feel more robust and substantial during typing, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a stronger push feel. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Blue Jade is 65 grams, while the Sakura's is significantly lighter at 45 grams. As a result, the Blue Jade offers a medium-heavy typing experience, which can be beneficial for those who type for longer sessions and prefer the tactile feedback, whereas the Sakura caters to users who favor a lighter feel, allowing for quicker and less tiring key presses. In summary, for those who appreciate a heavier switch with a more pronounced feedback, the Blue Jade is the better choice, while the Sakura is ideal for those who prioritize a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blue Jade, with its traditional 4 mm distance, offers a more pronounced feel during key presses, which some users may find satisfying in terms of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Sakura's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it a more suitable choice for gamers who favor rapid key activation. Consequently, if you prefer a more extensive key press for a satisfying depth, the Blue Jade is the ideal pick, whereas if you prioritize more responsiveness and quicker execution, the Sakura would be the better option. Overall, the Blue Jade is the longer switch, while the Sakura is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 typically characterized by a distinct and pronounced click that provides audible feedback with each keypress. This makes it a favorite among typists who enjoy a sharp auditory cue while typing, enhancing the overall engagement with the keyboard. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch features medium acoustics, which means that it operates quietly compared to its clicky counterpart. This makes the Sakura well-suited for environments where noise levels need to be kept low, allowing for concentrated and extended typing sessions without disruption.
In terms of feel, the Blue Jade switch offers a tactile feedback experience with a noticeable bump at the actuation point, allowing typists to feel when a key has been registered. This tactile response is coupled with its clicky sound profile, creating an engaging typing experience for those who prefer tactile and audible confirmation of their inputs. On the other hand, the Sakura switches are designed for a feather-light touch, providing a smooth and unimpeded travel without the tactile bump. This linear feel is particularly appealing to users who prioritize speed and fluidity over the tactile feedback found in clicky switches, making it ideal for fast typists and those who enjoy a more effortless keypress.
In summary, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offers a rich auditory and tactile experience that caters to those who love feedback while typing, making it less suitable for quiet settings. The Huano Sakura linear switch, with its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, excels in providing a smooth and efficient typing experience, perfect for prolonged use. Both switches satisfy different typing styles and preferences, ultimately leading to a personal choice based on whether one values sound and tactile feedback or a quieter, more fluid action.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you relish a tactile and audible typing experience that provides a satisfying click with each keystroke, the Blue Jade may be your ideal choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams can offer a more deliberate typing experience, which can be particularly rewarding for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback while typing or gaming. However, if you often type for long periods and seek a lighter touch for speed and efficiency, then the Huano Sakura, with its feather-light 45 grams of actuation force, would be a better fit. Its medium acoustics and smoother linear feel make it well-suited for extended typing sessions without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. Overall, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize auditory and tactile feedback or a light, effortless keystroke for uninterrupted productivity.
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