Outemu Blue Jade vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Blue Jade and Huano Strawberry Latte present two appealing yet contrasting options that cater to different typing preferences. The Blue Jade switch is recognized for its clicky feedback, which provides an audible and tactile response that many typists find satisfying, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a linear design that emphasizes a smooth keystroke, allowing for rapid key presses without the interruption of a click sound. This makes it ideal for gamers or anyone who values swift and quiet typing sessions. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Blue Jade offers a more engaging and tactile experience, while the Strawberry Latte excels in seamless performance and understated sound. 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
45g
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches present an interesting blend of similarities and differences. Beginning with the top housing, the Blue Jade utilizes nylon, which is characterized by its softer plastic properties that lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material tends to absorb sound effectively, resulting in typing experiences that are notable for their duller and rounder acoustics. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte opts for POK (polyketone) for its top housing. With superior durability and an exceptional smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction, POK creates a clackier sound signature, contributing to a distinct typing experience. While both options provide good sound absorption and response, the choices of material indicate the design intentions of each switch: the Blue Jade aims for warmth, while the Strawberry Latte focuses on crispness.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Blue Jade and the Strawberry Latte switch to nylon. This shared choice for the bottom housing ensures that both switches exhibit similar sound profiles, as nylon promotes the same deeper and fuller auditory characteristics already noted in their top housings. Hence, regardless of the contrasting materials on the upper end, the use of nylon at the bottom unifies their performance by emphasizing sound dampening qualities. Consequently, typists can expect a consistent feel when bottoming out, regardless of which switch is pressed, providing a more familiar experience across different scenarios.
Ultimately, the combination of Nylon for the bottom housing in both switches creates a notable grounding element that balances out the distinct attributes of their respective top housings. For the Blue Jade, the nylon allows for a cohesive sound experience that resonates warmly, while in the Strawberry Latte, the POK top housing beautifies the typing experience with its enhanced smoothness and clarity. Therefore, typists may find that, while the upper sound profiles differ—one being more muted and soft while the other is more assertive and crisp—the shared nylon foundation harmonizes the bottoming impacts and auditory results, yielding an interesting interplay of performance characteristics between the two designs.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Jade requires an actuation force of 50 grams, which contributes to a more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a heavier feel. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, catering to users who appreciate a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Regarding bottom out forces, the Blue Jade's bottom out force is 65 grams, whereas the Strawberry Latte's is lighter at 45 grams. Consequently, the Blue Jade is both the heavier option in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making it better suited for users who favor a firmer keystroke, while the Strawberry Latte offers a more comfortable and less demanding experience for prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Blue Jade features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional specification for keyboard switches, offering a deeper and more pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte comes in with a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference may appeal to gamers and users who favor quicker response times due to the shortened distance; however, those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might prefer the Blue Jade's clicky feedback. Ultimately, while the Blue Jade is the longer option providing a more robust feel, the Strawberry Latte's shorter travel distance caters to those seeking rapid engagement, making your experience hinge largely on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 has a sound profile that is distinct yet not clearly defined, leaving room for interpretation based on the user's preferences and the particular keyboard configuration. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a balanced sound profile; it strikes a middle ground between being too quiet and overly resonant, offering a pleasing auditory experience that enhances typing enjoyment without being distracting. However, it is essential to remember that sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard plate and keycap materials used, so individual setups may lead to different acoustic performances.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch offers a tactile feedback that's typical of clicky switches, providing a pronounced tactile bump that is satisfying for users who enjoy that physical cue when typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte delivers a super smooth experience attributed to its latest mold technology, making it ideal for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke without the interruption of tactile bumps or audible clicks. This difference caters to distinct typing preferences, where some may prefer the audible confirmation of a click while others favor the seamlessness and tranquility of a linear feel.
In summary, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present different auditory and tactile experiences, the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preference. The Blue Jade caters to those who enjoy a pronounced click and tactile feedback, while the Strawberry Latte offers a smooth and balanced sound profile with a fluid feel. Each switch has its unique charm, and the right choice will depend on whether you favor the auditory feedback of a clicky switch or the smooth operation of a linear switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your typing and gaming preferences. If you enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback with a heavier actuation force, the Blue Jade may be the better option for you, especially if you appreciate the nostalgic sound of clicky switches and enjoy typing experiences that are more physical and engaging. This makes them particularly well-suited for tasks like coding or typing large amounts of text where feedback is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with less finger fatigue over extended sessions, the Strawberry Latte would likely be your go-to choice. With its lower actuation force and silky-smooth travel, it excels in fast-paced gaming situations where speed and responsiveness are key. Thus, your ultimate choice should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the type of activities you engage in.
Mentioned in this article
