Outemu Blue Jade vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and Dareu Sky V3 offer distinct typing experiences. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch, prized for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight. The Blue Jade switch is ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying click with each keystroke, while the Sky V3 switch is preferred by users looking for a quieter and smoother 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
40g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Dareu Sky V3 offer contrasting sound profiles due to the difference in materials used. The Blue Jade's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. In contrast, the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, providing a more clear and resonant typing sound. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound and feel while typing.
On the other hand, the similarity in the nylon bottom housing of both the Blue Jade and the Sky V3 ensures a consistent deep and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's characteristic of absorbing more sound than harder plastics contributes to a duller and rounder typing experience in both switches. While the top housing material may vary between the two switches, the nylon bottom housing provides a similar typing feel and sound profile, offering users a consistent experience in terms of sound and feel while using either switch.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and the Dareu Sky V3 will largely depend on the individual preferences of the user. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder typing experience may lean towards the Blue Jade with its nylon housing materials. On the other hand, users who prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clearer and resonant typing experience may find the Sky V3 with its polycarbonate top housing more appealing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials, providing users with options that cater to their specific preferences in sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force compared to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch. The Blue Jade requires 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, while the Sky V3 only needs 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blue Jade also requires more force at 65 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Sky V3. This means that the Blue Jade switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier key feel throughout the keystroke, while the Sky V3 provides a lighter touch for quicker typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile feedback and typing experience from both switches. The similarity in travel distance indicates that regardless of which switch is chosen, users can anticipate consistent performance in terms of key travel. While both switches offer the same travel distance, they differ in their sound and feel, with the Blue Jade providing a clicky feedback and the Sky V3 offering a smoother linear feel. Overall, users can enjoy a comfortable typing experience with either switch, making the choice between the two a matter of individual preference in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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 satisfying click with each keystroke, providing a tactile auditory feedback that many enthusiasts enjoy. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is praised for its neutral sound signature, offering a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed. The Sky V3 provides a quieter typing experience compared to the Blue Jade, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is recognized for its tactile bump and audible click during actuation, providing a crisp and responsive typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle actuation, providing a smoother and more subtle feel compared to the Blue Jade. The Sky V3's characteristics place it in a safe middle-ground zone, making it comfortable for a wide range of typists.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Jade provides a loud and tactile typing experience with its satisfying click, the Sky V3 offers a quieter and more subtle typing experience with its neutral sound signature. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs. By considering factors such as sound, feel, and personal preference, newcomers can make an informed decision when choosing between these two popular mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Blue Jade switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a medium-light weight and a more subdued sound when typing, the Dareu Sky V3 switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and clickiness of the Blue Jade or the smooth and subtle feel of the Sky V3. Choose wisely based on what suits your typing style and preferences best.
Mentioned in this article
