Outemu Blue Jade vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch. The Blue Jade is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy auditory and physical confirmation of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is best known for its all-POM construction, short travel distance for fast actuation, thocky sound, smoothness, and light touch. If you value a satisfying click with each press, the Outemu Blue Jade may be the switch for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with lightning-fast actuation, the Gateron Smoothie Silver 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. Both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Blue Jade featuring nylon for both, while the Smoothie Silver uses POM for both. The nylon top housing of the Blue Jade creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and producing a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver produces a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted.
While the top housings of the Blue Jade and Smoothie Silver switches differ, their bottom housings share similar qualities within each respective switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue Jade contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded typing experience. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver adds to its unique sound profile, with a deeper and more muted sound compared to the top housing. This split in housing materials allows for a noticeable difference in sound and feel when typing on these switches, with each material bringing its own distinctive characteristics to the overall switch design.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Blue Jade utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Smoothie Silver incorporates POM for both housings, resulting in a unique and pleasing sound that is more muted. The differences in housing materials between the two switches contribute to their individual qualities, offering typists a range of options to customize their keyboard setup based on their preferred sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we see that the Blue Jade requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, giving it a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver only requires 45 grams to actuate, but the bottom out force is unknown. The Blue Jade is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Smoothie Silver. The Blue Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force requirements, whereas the Smoothie Silver offers a lighter touch which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch contribute to the overall typing experience and preference for users seeking a specific feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Jade has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Smoothie Silver's 3.4 mm. The Blue Jade offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches have their own advantages depending on the user's preference. If you prefer a more responsive and quick typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie Silver may be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more pronounced key press, the Outemu Blue Jade would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Silver 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
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is best known for its distinctive clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it popular among users who enjoy audible typing experiences. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is renowned for its smooth and lightweight keystrokes, providing a quiet typing experience ideal for those who prefer a subtle tactile response. When it comes to sound, the Blue Jade switch produces a satisfying click with each keystroke, while the Smoothie Silver switch offers a thocky sound that is quieter and smoother. As for the feel, the Blue Jade switch provides tactile feedback with each keystroke, giving users a sense of confirmation when typing, while the Smoothie Silver switch offers a linear keystroke that is smooth and consistent throughout. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch comes down to personal preference, with the Blue Jade switch offering a clicky and tactile typing experience, and the Smoothie Silver switch providing a smooth and lightweight keystroke.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the factors of force, usage, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a tactile and clicky typing experience, the Blue Jade may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bottom out force of None and seek a smooth and speedy actuation with a thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style, as both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your overall typing experience. Choose wisely and enjoy the satisfying feel of your mechanical keyboard.
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