Outemu Blue Jade vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand as compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Blue Jade is characterized as a clicky switch, offering a tactile and audible feedback that many typists appreciate for its satisfying keystroke response, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is classified as a linear switch, known for its smooth actuation without any tactile bump or click, providing a quieter and more fluid typing experience, which can be preferable for gamers or those working in shared environments. Both switches have their unique strengths—whether you prioritize the distinct feedback of the Blue Jade or the seamless glide of the Sea Salt Smoothie. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, we find distinct differences that contribute to their sound profiles. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, known for producing a richer and fuller sound signature. Nylon, being a softer plastic, is adept at absorbing sound, which results in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie uses a POM top housing, which is characterized by its unique sound quality that is also deeper but carries a slightly muted tone. This fundamental difference means that while both switches create pleasant sound profiles, the Blue Jade is more resonant and vibrant, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a distinctive sound that is subtly nuanced.
The bottom housing materials of these two switches further highlight their contrasting characteristics. The Blue Jade employs a nylon bottom housing that effectively complements its top housing, offering a cohesive sound profile that emphasizes depth and fullness. This consistency in material choice ensures that the switch produces a unified sound experience during both actuation and release. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM bottom housing contributes to a muted and pleasing sound, but may not convey the same depth as the Blue Jade. Here, the use of different materials introduces variability; while both switches provide satisfactory auditory experiences, the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound may be perceived as less resonant compared to the Blue Jade.
Both the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie aim to create satisfying aural experiences through their respective designs; however, the differences in material usage are crucial in shaping those experiences. When typing on either switch, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the key release sound. Therefore, despite their contrasting materials, similar results in pleasant tactile and auditory feedback can be achieved through thoughtful design. Ultimately, users might experience distinct but equally rewarding sound profiles, influenced by each switch's unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see distinct differences in the actuation force, with the Blue Jade requiring a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the lighter 48 grams of the Sea Salt Smoothie. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch may find the Sea Salt Smoothie more comfortable for prolonged use, while those who appreciate a stronger push and more substantial feedback might prefer the Blue Jade. Additionally, the Blue Jade has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a firmer feel when reaching the end of the keypress, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving a gap for comparison on that specific characteristic. Overall, the Outemu Blue Jade presents a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a lighter actuation force, appealing to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch measures a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The Blue Jade, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel, which some users may appreciate for its hearty depth during each keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s shorter travel distance aligns with the preferences of gamers who seek quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Therefore, if you find yourself leaning towards a switch with an abbreviated travel distance for enhanced efficiency, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie would be the ideal choice. Conversely, for those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress experience and a traditional feel, the Outemu Blue Jade would be preferable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
When considering the sound profile, the Outemu Blue Jade switch doesn't have a specific description available, but generally, clicky switches like the Blue Jade are known for producing a sharp, audible click on actuation, which can be satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback with their typing. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its thocky sound, which implies a deeper and more resonant acoustic experience that is often preferred by those who appreciate a lower-pitched sound over the higher-pitched clicks of traditional clicky switches. It's worth noting that regardless of these descriptions, the overall sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding the tactile feel of these switches, the Outemu Blue Jade switch, while lacking a specific description, typically suggests that it would offer the snappy response expected from clicky switches, providing a distinct tactile bump before the click sound, making it ideal for typists who enjoy feedback with every keystroke. In comparison, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, catering to users who prefer a linear experience without tactile feedback or auditory clicks during use. This makes it particularly appealing for gamers who want to execute rapid key presses without any interruption.
In conclusion, when you compare the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch with the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, you find two different approaches to the typing experience. One offers a potentially sharp and tactile feedback, ideal for those who desire a clicky sound with every keystroke, while the other focuses on delivering a smooth and thocky auditory experience with less tactile disturbance. Your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preference for feedback and sound; if you're after a stark auditory response, the Blue Jade may be your pick, whereas if you favor a smoother ride, the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely to deliver that satisfaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a tactile and clicky feedback that offers an audible response while typing, the Blue Jade is an excellent option. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, it provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you enjoy feeling the distinct click that signals your keystrokes. This switch is ideal for those who like a more traditional typing feel and enjoy hearing clear feedback, making it suitable for typists and programmers who appreciate the tactile feedback and sound.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially for gaming or long writing sessions, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be the switch for you. Known for its exceptional smoothness and thocky sound profile, this linear switch allows for effortless keystrokes without the distractions of clicks. Its design emphasizes performance and comfort, ensuring that each key press feels fluid and enjoyable. This switch is particularly advantageous for fast-paced gaming or if you prefer a low-noise environment while typing or working. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard, whether it’s the tactile feedback of the Blue Jade or the smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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