Outemu Blue Jade vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Smoothie. The Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch that is best known for its satisfying tactile feedback and audible click sound, making it a favorite among typists and gamers who enjoy the audible response. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is a linear switch that boasts a unique construction using all-POM material, resulting in a remarkable smoothness and a thocky sound signature without the need for lubrication. The Smoothie is also known for its lightweight touch, making it ideal for users who prefer a more subtle 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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Smoothie differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Blue Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Smoothie features a POM top housing that creates a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side, but relatively more muted. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the nylon housing of the Blue Jade may provide a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM housing of the Smoothie.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Blue Jade and the Smoothie vary in their impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Blue Jade's nylon bottom housing helps in eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with its softer plastic properties. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie contributes to a more muted and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side. This split between the top and bottom housing materials influences the sound produced when pressing down on the switch, as well as the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Blue Jade and the Smoothie utilize different housing materials for their switches, both options offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The nylon housing of the Blue Jade may provide a duller and rounder sound with its softer plastic properties, while the POM housing of the Smoothie offers a more muted and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side. Despite these distinctions, both switches prioritize sound quality and typing experience, ensuring a satisfying performance for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a variety of options in housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Blue Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams, making it the heavier option. Additionally, the Blue Jade requires 65 grams of force to bottom out, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown. This means that the Blue Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie's lighter actuation force may appeal to users looking for a more effortless typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we can see that the Blue Jade has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Blue Jade offers a traditional 4 mm travel distance, providing a satisfying depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Smoothie's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it preferred by gamers for its faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a deeper press, the Blue Jade may be more suitable, but if you prioritize quick response times, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better option. Both switches offer a different feel and experience due to their slight difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 switch is known for its crisp and clicky feedback, providing a satisfying audible click with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound profile, characterized by a deep, rich, and mellow tone when keys are pressed and released. The Blue Jade switch leans towards a higher-pitched, pronounced click, while the Smoothie switch delivers a more subdued and bass-heavy sound, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch offers a tactile bump and pronounced feedback, resulting in a tactile and clicky typing experience. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and seamless keystroke sensation with minimal resistance. The Blue Jade switch focuses on the tactile feedback and clickiness, while the Smoothie switch prioritizes smoothness and fluidity in each keystroke, offering a more effortless typing experience.
Overall, if you enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience with a pronounced click, the Outemu Blue Jade switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Gateron Smoothie switch would be more appealing to you. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your individual typing preferences and desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should choose the Blue Jade if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky typing experience with a tactile feedback. The Blue Jade is best known for its satisfying click and tactile feel. On the other hand, you should opt for the Gateron Smoothie if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, a thocky sound signature, and a smooth, lightweight touch. The Smoothie is best known for its thocky sound and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel when typing on your mechanical keyboard.
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