Outemu Blue Jade vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer unique experiences, such as the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Sunset Gleam. The Blue Jade, categorized as a clicky switch, is known for its auditory feedback and tactile sensation, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a pronounced "click" with each keystroke. This feature can enhance the typing experience, providing satisfying auditory confirmation and helping users maintain their rhythm. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, introduces a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without the clicky feedback, catering more to gamers and those who prefer a quieter, more streamlined typing experience. The Sunset Gleam’s combination of excellent factory lube and high-quality materials ensures a pleasant feel and subtle sound, which appeals to users seeking efficiency and speed, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and HMX Sunset Gleam present a striking contrast, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which is notable for its ability to absorb sound due to its relatively softer plastic structure. This characteristic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that many users appreciate for its muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam showcases a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, more resonant sound. Polycabonate’s stiff nature allows it to create a clearer, higher-pitched tone, which is particularly advantageous for users looking to enhance their keyboard's sound profile and visual appeal, especially when RGB lighting is taken into consideration.

However, both the Outemu Blue Jade and HMX Sunset Gleam utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which effectively equalizes some of the audio characteristics between their overall designs. The use of nylon in both switches for the bottom housing ensures that the typing experience will feature that recognizable deeper sound profile. Because nylon is a soft material that absorbs sound, users can expect the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback to be uniform across both switches, despite the contrasting top housing materials. Therefore, while the top housings diverge significantly in effect, the nylon bottom housing provides a similarity in terms of sound absorption, contributing to a consistent overall auditory experience.

When considering the impact of these housing materials collectively, it becomes evident that each switch delivers a unique blend of sound and tactile feedback. The Blue Jade's nylon top and bottom housing create a cohesive and softer sound profile which is ideal for those who prefer muted typing sounds. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam's polycarbonate top combined with the nylon bottom strikes a balance that allows for both clarity and resonance, with a crisper auditory feedback when releasing the keys. This juxtaposition highlights how the combinations of top and bottom housing materials dictate the performance of each switch, ultimately leading to distinct typing experiences while maintaining certain elements in common due to the shared nylon bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different user preferences. The Blue Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which allows for easier keystrokes and longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. Therefore, users who prefer a lighter feel for extended work or gaming sessions would benefit from the Sunset Gleam, while those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience might prefer the Blue Jade. In summary, the Blue Jade is the heavier option, while the Sunset Gleam offers a lighter touch, showcasing how their distinct force profiles cater to varying typing styles and preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Blue Jade features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional feel preferred by users who enjoy a hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times and a more abrupt feel. Ultimately, if you're seeking a more responsive switch, the Sunset Gleam is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while those who appreciate a deeper actuation may prefer the Blue Jade's 4 mm travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Blue Jade switch is renowned for its distinct acoustic profile, characterized by a sharp and pronounced click that provides auditory feedback with each keypress. This click sound can be somewhat polarizing; enthusiasts either appreciate the crisp feedback it offers or find it too loud for quieter environments. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch offers a softer and more subdued sound. Although it introduces a slight clack due to its design, the overall auditory experience is much more muted compared to the Blue Jade, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience while still retaining a hint of tactility.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is notably clicky and provides a tactile bump that is immediately identifiable during typing. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and is ideal for users who enjoy feeling the actuation point in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the HMX Sunset Gleam is described as smooth and linear, allowing for effortless key presses without any tactile resistance or audible click at the bottom out. This smoothness makes it well-suited for fast typists and gamers alike, who seek rapid key presses without the distraction of a tactile bump.

In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade and HMX Sunset Gleam switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Blue Jade's loud click and tactile feedback appeal to those who enjoy audible confirmation with each keystroke, while the Sunset Gleam's quieter linear profile and smooth action are ideal for users seeking a more subtle and fluid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile response or prefer a quiet and smooth keystroke.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate tactile feedback and a pronounced click sound while you type, the Blue Jade is a solid option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams can provide a satisfying resistance and help prevent accidental keystrokes, making it suitable for typists who prefer a more deliberate feel. On the other hand, if you find yourself typing for extended periods or gaming, the lighter 48-gram bottom-out force of the Sunset Gleam makes it a more comfortable choice. This switch offers a smooth and quieter experience, thanks to its well-executed linear design and the excellent factory lube that HMX is recognized for. The Sunset Gleam can enhance your speed and efficiency without the distractions of a clicky sound, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming sessions or long typing tasks where noise could be a concern. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you want the engaging feedback and sound of the Blue Jade or the refined smoothness of the Sunset Gleam.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Blue Jade Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more