Outemu Blue Jade vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, one must take into account their primary characteristics. The Blue Jade switch is widely recognized for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience with audible clicks. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is ideal for environments where quiet typing is essential, offering a smooth and silent typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel. While the Blue Jade switch provides a satisfying tactile and audible experience, the Silent Ink Black switch ensures a muted and polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and specific needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue Jade's housing material, nylon, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend, which produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound. The nylon used in the Blue Jade switch absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black offers a satisfying thin and clacky sound that is characterized by its relatively high-pitched tone.
Both the Blue Jade and the Silent Ink Black switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, contributing to a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The bottom housing, which has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, reinforces the qualities of the nylon material in providing a softer and more absorbent typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing of the switches showcases the differences in sound profiles, with the Blue Jade's Nylon top housing producing a deeper sound upon release, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing creates a sharper and clacky sound.
In summary, while the bottom housings of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are made of the same nylon material, the top housings diverge in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The nylon top housing of the Blue Jade elicits a deep and full sound, while the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Despite the differences in top housing material, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Jade requires 65 grams, while the Silent Ink Black needs 70 grams, making the Silent Ink Black slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Blue Jade may be the preferred choice, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gateron Silent Ink Black for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, it can be noted that they both provide a consistent and reliable typing experience with a similar feel to key presses. This means that whether you choose the Outemu Blue Jade or the Gateron Silent Ink Black, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing performance. Both switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with the same distance required for the key to travel from the top to the bottom. This makes them ideal choices for users who prefer a specific travel distance when typing on a keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 known for its loud and clicky noise, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed to be muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience, making it ideal for quieter environments or shared spaces. Both switches can be affected by the keyboard and keycaps used, so customization plays a role in the overall sound produced.
As for feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch offers a tactile and clicky typing experience, with a noticeable bump upon actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky and polished feel, offering a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance and a cushioned bottom-out feel. This difference in feel can greatly impact the typing experience and personal preference, so trying out both switches on a tester board can help in making a decision.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Jade switch provides a loud and tactile typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on providing a quieter and smoother feel. Understanding your preferences in sound and feel will ultimately help in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so exploring and experimenting with various switches can lead to a more personalized and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you should choose the Blue Jade if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are not concerned about noise levels. On the other hand, opt for the Silent Ink Black if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel while still enjoying a medium-heavy bottom out force. The Silent Ink Black offers a muted sound and a silky, polished typing feel, making it a great choice for those who value a quieter and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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