Outemu Blue Jade vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Blue Jade and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch, renowned for its loud and satisfying auditory feedback, making it an ideal choice for typists and gamers who enjoy a tactile response and the classic keyboard sound. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), categorized as a hall effect switch, provides a more muted, refined experience with its delicate "thock" sound and smooth keystroke. This makes it attractive to users seeking a quieter yet tactile typing feel, with the added benefits of enhanced durability and reduced wobble. In summary, while the Blue Jade captivates those who revel in the joy of a clicky sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) appeals to those desiring a more subtle yet satisfying 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a notable distinction presents itself based on the choice of plastics used for the top housing. The Blue Jade utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is recognized for its softer structure. This character lends itself to producing a fuller and deeper sound profile, as nylon is adept at absorbing sound waves, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. On the contrary, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, famed for its rigidity, which facilitates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The differences in these materials ensure that each switch offers a unique acoustic experience that aligns with the preferences of typists; the Blue Jade delivers warmth and depth, while the Sticky Rice presents clarity and brightness.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Outemu Blue Jade and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) feature nylon, which contributes to the sonic qualities experienced during usage. Given that nylon absorbs sound, both switches evoke a similar auditory experience from the bottom housing perspective, imparting a duller and rounder sound profile when the switches bottom out. This commonality means that regardless of the differences found in their top housings, the interactions of both switches at the bottom serve to unify their performances in sound generation during key presses. Consequently, users can expect a more consistent experience with the bottoming-out sound across both switch types due to this shared nylon material.
When considering the overall sensory experience of each switch, the interplay between the housing materials has a significant influence. The contrasting top materials lead to differing sound characteristics when keys are released, with the Blue Jade providing a more subdued response while the Sticky Rice offers a vibrant clarity. However, the consistent nylon found in both bottom housings creates a common tactile experience at the bottom for users, ensuring that despite their distinctive top houses, they deliver similar results when pressed down. This varied yet harmonious construction ultimately leads to an interesting blend of sound and feel, showcasing the potential of each switch while catering to distinct user preferences in terms of auditory feedback.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Jade features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of just 50 grams, catering to those who favor ease of pressing for prolonged use, such as during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Therefore, while the Blue Jade may offer a more tactile and forceful feedback, the Sticky Rice (V2) enables quicker and less strenuous keystrokes, making it the lighter choice. Ultimately, those seeking a heavier switch might gravitate towards the Blue Jade for its greater resistance, whereas those favoring a lighter feel would prefer the Sticky Rice (V2).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a notable difference. The Blue Jade switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional choice that offers a more pronounced feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which caters more towards gamers and users who appreciate quicker response times. While both switches serve distinct preferences—where the Blue Jade provides a deeper, more satisfying feedback and the Sticky Rice promotes speed—the shorter travel distance of the Sticky Rice makes it feel more abrupt for some users. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that offers a hearty depth in your typing experience, the Blue Jade would be the better choice, while those seeking rapid responsiveness may find the Sticky Rice more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 has not been characterized, which leaves room for speculation based on other clicky switches. However, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a neutral sound signature that leans into the satisfying "thock" that many enthusiasts crave. While the Blue Jade may share some acoustic properties typical of clicky switches, such as that satisfying feedback when pressed, the Sticky Rice (V2) delivers a more refined auditory experience, dependent also on the choice of board and keycaps. Thus, if sound quality is a consideration, the Sticky Rice (V2) may offer a more balanced and enjoyable auditory signature.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue Jade has not been evaluated in terms of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is designed for a super smooth keystroke, enhanced by a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble and promotes an overall refined user experience. This smoothness in keystroke promotes a satisfying tactile sensation that appeals greatly to typists and gamers alike. While we can't ascertain how the Blue Jade compares feeling-wise, the ease and satisfaction from the Sticky Rice (V2) can certainly position it as an appealing choice for those who value a smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Blue Jade remains shrouded in uncertainty regarding its sound and feel, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a compelling case with its neutral sound signature and exceptionally smooth keystroke. If you lean towards clicky switches, the Blue Jade might produce enjoyable results, but the refined tactile and auditory experience of the Sticky Rice (V2) is specifically tailored for those who seek a balance of quality and enjoyment in their typing experience. As both switches cater to different preferences, it's essential to weigh these characteristics based on your personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you crave a tactile and audible feedback experience, along with a slightly heavier keystroke, the Blue Jade might suit you better. Its 65-gram bottom-out force can provide that satisfying "click" many typists enjoy in their rhythm, making it ideal for creative tasks or coding where audio cues can enhance the typing experience. However, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a lighter touch, the 50-gram bottom-out force of the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely the more comfortable option for extended typing sessions. Its design emphasizes a refined feel with minimal wobble and a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile choice for both general typing and gaming without the distraction of loud clicks. Ultimately, assess how you’ll be using your keyboard most—whether for gaming, work, or casual typing—as this will guide you in selecting the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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