Outemu Blue Jade vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and Durock Sea Glass offer distinct typing experiences. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch that provides a tactile feedback with an audible click sound, making it satisfying for typists who enjoy the sensation of pressing a key. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass is a linear switch known for its smooth and frictionless feel, offering a quieter typing experience. The Sea Glass switches also come in a range of pastel colors and have a unique hollow sound signature. While the Blue Jade is ideal for those who prefer a clicky and tactile switch, the Sea Glass is perfect for individuals 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Blue Jade and the Durock Sea Glass switches use nylon as a material for their top housing. However, the Blue Jade's nylon top housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a brighter sound profile that is still pleasant to the ear. While both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, they provide slightly different sound characteristics due to the unique blend used in the Sea Glass.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blue Jade and the Sea Glass switches use nylon for this component as well. Once again, the nylon material in the bottom housing of the Blue Jade creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. In comparison, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing produces a sound profile that leans towards the brighter side. While the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, the unique blend used in the Sea Glass adds a different dimension to the overall sound profile of the switch.
It's important to note that the qualities of the housing materials in a switch are split between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will impact the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing's qualities will be more noticeable when releasing a key. In the case of the Blue Jade and the Sea Glass, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to the different materials used in their top and bottom housings, with the Sea Glass providing a slightly brighter sound compared to the Blue Jade's deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in their performance. The Blue Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sea Glass, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Jade requires 65 grams, while the Sea Glass requires 62 grams. This means that the Blue Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, whereas the Sea Glass offers a lighter feel overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Sea Glass, while those looking for a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Blue Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see that the Blue Jade has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. The Blue Jade falls more in line with the traditional travel distance, providing a more familiar key press feel, while the Sea Glass offers a slightly shallower press. Gamers may prefer the Sea Glass for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Blue Jade. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences for key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 is known for its loud, clicky sound that is reminiscent of classic mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature that is smooth and airy. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider all factors when considering the overall sound profile of a switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is known for its tactile bump and clicky nature, providing a satisfying feedback with each key press. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. These qualities contribute to a smooth and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches offer a unique feel, catering to different preferences in typing style.
Overall, while the Outemu Blue Jade and Durock Sea Glass switches offer different sound and feel profiles, they both provide a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer the loud click of the Blue Jade or the smoothness of the Sea Glass, both switches offer a level of satisfaction that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are seeking a tactile and clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Outemu Blue Jade switches would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and weightless typing experience with a medium bottom-out force, and are drawn to a unique array of pastel colors, then the Durock Sea Glass linear switches would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between Outemu Blue Jade and Durock Sea Glass switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and aesthetics. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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