Outemu Blue Jade vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and Dareu Snow offer two distinct experiences for users. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow is a linear switch that stands out for its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a smoother typing experience with a deeper sound signature. While the Blue Jade provides a satisfying click for those who enjoy auditory feedback, the Snow offers 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Dareu Snow, it is clear that both switches use nylon for their top housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This means that in terms of sound quality, both the Blue Jade and the Snow will provide a similar experience for users. However, the Dareu Snow's top housing material, POK, offers additional benefits such as increased smoothness and durability compared to nylon. This may result in a slightly improved typing experience for those who prefer smoother and more durable switches.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housing of the Blue Jade and the Snow, both switches use nylon as well. Again, this means that both switches will have a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. The use of nylon for the bottom housing helps to create a duller and rounder sound profile, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience overall. While the Snow's bottom housing material is not as advanced as its top housing material, the use of nylon ensures that users can still enjoy consistent sound quality and tactile feedback from both switches.
Overall, the key difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Dareu Snow lies in the top housing material. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the Snow's POK top housing offers improved smoothness and durability compared to the Blue Jade. This means that users may notice a slightly smoother and more durable typing experience with the Snow. However, in terms of sound quality and overall performance, both switches are likely to provide a similar level of satisfaction for users who appreciate the deeper sound profile that nylon housing provides.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, both have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Blue Jade has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier than the Snow which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This difference means that the Blue Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel compared to the Snow. So, if you prefer a switch with a heavier bottom out force, the Blue Jade would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key press for longer typing sessions, the Snow may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is clear that the Snow has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Blue Jade's 4 mm. The Blue Jade falls under the category of a more traditional travel distance, while the Snow offers a shallower distance. Gamers typically prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Snow a popular choice for gaming. However, those who enjoy a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Blue Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its clicky sound, which is a popular choice among typists who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a unique thocky sound profile due to its innovative use of POK material in its construction, providing a deeper and richer sound experience. When it comes to feel, the Blue Jade switch does not have a specific descriptor, while the Snow switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively feel.
Overall, if you prefer a clicky sound with tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue Jade switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you are looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience with a unique deep sound profile, the Dareu Snow linear switch would be an excellent option. Remember that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on your personal typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy the distinctive clicky feedback without any particular standout feature, then the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and are drawn to the innovative POK material used in the Snow switch for a deeper sound signature, as well as enjoy a bouncy feel when typing, then the Dareu Snow linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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