Outemu Blue Jade vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a pivotal role in finding the ideal fit for your typing or gaming experience. On one end of the spectrum, the Outemu Blue Jade switch offers a tactile and clicky feedback, catering to users who enjoy the audible sound and distinct feel of each keystroke, which often enhances typing speed and accuracy. In contrast, the HMX SU switch is a linear option that provides a smooth, uninterrupted travel without the tactile bump or click, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience, particularly in gaming scenarios. Each switch presents its own unique qualities – the Blue Jade, with its pronounced feedback, can be satisfying for typists, while the HMX SU’s subtle sound profile and smooth activation appeal to gamers who prioritize swift, continuous movement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

HMX SU Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX SU switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, which establishes a clear parallel in their fundamental acoustic properties. Nylon, as a switch housing material, lends itself to a distinct auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to its softer composition, which helps absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, thereby producing a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, users of both switches can expect similar sound characteristics, highlighting the effectiveness of nylon in enhancing the overall typing experience.

Moreover, with both switches featuring nylon in both top and bottom housings, the synergy between the two components amplifies the benefits of this material. For instance, when a key is pressed down, the impact of the bottom housing becomes critical in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the acoustic profile during key release. Given that both the Blue Jade and the HMX SU share identical housing materials, users will likely appreciate a cohesive sound experience, accentuated by the properties of nylon, whether they’re typing on the Blue Jade or the HMX SU.

While the specific designs and internal mechanisms of the Blue Jade and HMX SU switches may vary, their shared nylon housing composition means that the resultant sound profile and tactile feedback during use will be closely matched. This offers a level of consistency for users who may switch between these two types, as the fundamental characteristics imparted by the nylon material will ensure a reliable performance, irrespective of the switch model. Thus, while differences in stem design or spring tension could introduce subtle nuances to the feel, the dominant influence of nylon in both models guarantees that users will enjoy a similar auditory and tactile experience overall.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Blue Jade requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams to register a keystroke and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a heavier option overall. In contrast, the HMX SU boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, suitable for long hours of use or extensive gaming sessions. Therefore, while both switches serve their purposes, the Blue Jade provides a more substantial push feel, ideal for users favoring a firmer tactile response, whereas the HMX SU caters to those seeking a smoother and more lightweight keystroke.

Travel distance

The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a key aspect of user experience: the Blue Jade offers a more substantial and traditional feel, which may be favored by users who appreciate a deeper keypress and a more tactile response. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the HMX SU switch provides a quicker actuation, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize speedy reactions, the HMX SU would be the better option, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress might prefer the Blue Jade. Overall, the Outemu Blue Jade’s travel distance is longer, allowing for a more pronounced feedback, whereas the HMX SU's distance is shorter and designed for rapid execution.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Blue Jade switch is characterized by a distinctively loud and pronounced click sound, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an audible feedback during typing. This clicky sound can add a fun and satisfying element to the typing experience, drawing attention with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch offers a subtle and relatively deep sound profile, which is more muted and less intrusive than the Blue Jade. The sound quality of switches can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard housing and the type of keycaps used, meaning that while the Blue Jade has a clear click, the SU provides a more subdued auditory experience.

When considering the feel of the switches, the Blue Jade is notable for its tactile sensation, providing a satisfying feedback with each actuation. This tactile bump is often appreciated by typists who prefer a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer a seamless typing experience with no bumps or disruptions during actuation. As a result, users will find that the Blue Jade is more dynamic, while the SU promotes a fluid typing motion.

In summary, the Outemu Blue Jade switch stands out with its loud clicky sound and tactile feel, creating an engaging sensory experience. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch offers a more subtle sound and a smooth typing feel. These differences cater to distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard community, with the Blue Jade being suited for those who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback, and the SU appealing to those who favor a quieter, smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, as they each serve different typists' needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX SU switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the tasks you intend to accomplish. If you are someone who enjoys a tactile and clicky feedback when typing, the Blue Jade switch, with its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, may be best suited for you. This can enhance your typing rhythm and provide satisfying audio feedback, which is particularly enjoyable for gaming or typing tasks where every keystroke feels rewarding. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the HMX SU linear switch is likely your best bet. With a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, it delivers a more subtle sound profile while providing a seamless feel under your fingers, making it ideal for long typing sessions or environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, by considering factors such as sound, feel, and the typing experience you desire, you can make a more informed decision between these two distinct switch types.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more