Outemu Blue Jade vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Blue Jade is known for its audible click and tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its smooth and quiet operation, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Blue Jade is categorized as a clicky switch, the Sea Salt Lemon falls into the linear switch category. If you are looking for a switch that provides a tactile typing experience with audible feedback, the Blue Jade may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the better option. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, we see a stark difference between the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade and the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon. The nylon top housing of the Blue Jade creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon allows for RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing choice.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blue Jade and the Sea Salt Lemon feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile as well. The soft nature of nylon plastic allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound quality. Despite having different top housings, the similarities in the bottom housing materials of these switches mean that users can expect a similar sound experience in terms of depth and fullness when typing on either switch.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic features. While the Blue Jade with its nylon top and bottom housings offers a softer and duller sound quality, the Sea Salt Lemon with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings provides a sharper and crisper sound experience. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a rounder sound profile with the Blue Jade or a clearer sound with RGB lighting capabilities with the Sea Salt Lemon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Blue Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's lighter 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Jade requires 65 grams to fully depress the key, while the Sea Salt Lemon only needs 53 grams. This makes the Blue Jade switch overall heavier and more substantial in feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon is lighter and easier to type on for longer periods of time. Both switches provide unique typing experiences due to their distinct force requirements, with the Blue Jade offering a more tactile and satisfying click, and the Sea Salt Lemon providing a smoother and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we find that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same level of key travel. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of key press depth. Therefore, whether you choose the Blue Jade or the Sea Salt Lemon switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. This makes them equally suitable for users who prefer a standard key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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
The Blue Jade switch is known for its clicky sound, which is often described as crisp and tactile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, offering a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. When it comes to feel, the Blue Jade switch's tactile feedback is unmatched for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience due to its progressive spring and smooth linear design.
Overall, if you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a crisp sound, the Blue Jade switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a low-pitched and mellow sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be the way to go. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Despite their differences, both switches provide high-quality performance and are sure to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy the sharp, clicky sound of a clicky switch, then the Blue Jade may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value a smooth, buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, then the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best fits your typing style.
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