Outemu Blue Jade vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the HMX Swift, a linear switch. The Blue Jade is best known for its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Swift is distinguished by its smooth, deep sound profile and light 42g actuation force, providing a comfortable typing experience. While the Blue Jade offers a bouncy and creamy typing feel, the Swift stands out with its easy-to-press and feathery sensation. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Swift are both made of nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic is evident in both switches, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who enjoy a quieter and more subtle sound profile.
While both switches share the same nylon housing material, the Blue Jade and the HMX Swift may differ in the design or construction of their top and bottom housings. The qualities brought by the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with each part influencing different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This division highlights how the construction of the switch can affect the overall typing feel and sound produced.
In terms of housing materials, the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Swift offer similar results due to their shared use of nylon. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile when typing on these switches. Whether it is the top or bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience that prioritizes a quieter and more muted sound output. The choice between the Blue Jade and the HMX Swift may come down to other factors such as key feel, actuation force, or overall switch design.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Jade requires a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Swift's lighter 42 grams. Similarly, the Blue Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Swift has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The Blue Jade switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Swift switch will be lighter to press, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the HMX Swift linear switch with a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Jade being slightly on the longer side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Swift, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Blue Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 best known for its sharp and crisp clicking sound, resulting in a distinctive and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is characterized by a deeper and smoother sound profile, providing a more subtle and refined typing sound. While the Blue Jade offers a more pronounced and tactile auditory feedback, the Swift delivers a quieter and softer typing experience with its silky smoothness and deeper sound quality.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is recognized for its tactile and clicky feel, providing a satisfying sensation with each key press. In comparison, the HMX Swift switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery typing feel, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. The Swift switch's light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended use, while also offering a bouncy and creamy sensation that adds to the overall comfort and responsiveness of the switch.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Jade excels in providing a sharp and tactile clicking sound along with a satisfying key press feel, the Swift stands out with its smooth and deep typing sound paired with an easy-to-press and light actuation force. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a delightful typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a clicky sound with no specific standout feature, the Blue Jade switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and are interested in a deeper sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Swift linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and acoustics.
Mentioned in this article
