Outemu Blue Jade vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the TTC Speed Silver, a linear switch. The Blue Jade switch is known for its distinctive click sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy auditory and tactile confirmation of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch is renowned for its fast and precise typing experience, thanks to its light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance for quick actuation. While the Blue Jade offers a satisfying tactile feel, the Speed Silver provides a smooth and consistent 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the TTC Speed Silver, one can see significant differences in their sound profiles. The Blue Jade's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housing. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. The polycarbonate material resonates more clearly, giving a higher-pitched sound that is ideal for users looking for a more defined typing experience.
While both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials vary significantly. The impact of the housing material is felt in the sound and feel of typing - the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. With the Blue Jade's nylon top housing and the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing, users can expect distinct sound profiles. The Blue Jade provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Speed Silver offers a sharper and crisper sound that is further enriched by its translucency, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and the TTC Speed Silver will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience. The Blue Jade's nylon housing creates a softer and more absorbent sound profile, resulting in a rounded and dull sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver delivers a clearer and more resonant sound with a higher pitch. Both switches offer unique qualities, and users can select based on their desired typing feel and sound characteristics. Whether opting for the Blue Jade or the Speed Silver, users can expect a quality typing experience with distinctive sound profiles based on the housing materials used.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Speed Silver linear switch. The Blue Jade requires 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Speed Silver only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light switch. This means that the Blue Jade will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Speed Silver will offer a lighter typing experience that may be preferred for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Jade has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Speed Silver's 3.4 mm. The Blue Jade offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper keystroke feel, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, with the Blue Jade being the longer option and the Speed Silver being the shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is renowned for its loud and satisfying click sound, making it a favorite among those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, which offers a moderate level of noise suitable for various settings. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Jade being more pronounced and the Speed Silver being more subtle.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Jade switch offers a tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump at the point of actuation, providing tactile feedback to the user. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a mild and polished typing feel, with a smooth and refined key travel that appeals to a wider range of users. While the Blue Jade switch is more focused on providing a tactile response, the Speed Silver switch aims to offer a balanced and gentle typing experience that is well-suited for various typing styles.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, the Blue Jade switch may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision in your typing, the Speed Silver switch with its neutral sound profile and polished feel could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Blue Jade switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium bottom out force and a smooth, polished feel, the Speed Silver switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prefer the audible and tactile feedback of the Blue Jade or the smooth and efficient typing experience of the Speed Silver.
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