Outemu Blue Jade vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch. The Blue Jade is best known for its distinctive clicky sound and tactile feedback, providing an audible and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer a more subdued typing experience with medium-level tactility and a cozy feel, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Outemu Blue Jade and the Jwick Taro both have nylon bottom housings, which means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, despite both switches having nylon bottom housings, the top housings differ - the Blue Jade has a nylon top housing while the Taro has a polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in materials leads to a noticeable difference in sound profiles, with the Blue Jade offering a deeper tone and the Taro providing a sharper and crisper sound.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Jwick Taro switch creates a more clear and resonant sound profile compared to the nylon top housing of the Outemu Blue Jade. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, which contributes to the sharper and higher-pitched sound produced by the Taro switch. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it a preferred choice for gamers or enthusiasts looking for visually appealing setups. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more muted typing experience.
In summary, while both the Outemu Blue Jade and the Jwick Taro share nylon bottom housings, their top housings differ in material, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Blue Jade provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon top housing, while the Taro offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound profile and aesthetic preferences such as RGB lighting capabilities.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch differ slightly in weight. The Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Taro has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. While the Blue Jade requires a consistent force throughout the keystroke process, the Taro may offer a lighter initial push due to its unspecified actuation force. Both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of weight, making them suitable options for those who prefer a medium-heavy feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Blue Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Taro. The 0.3 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the typing experience. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Taro with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster response times, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Blue Jade with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial and deliberate key press. Regardless of the difference in travel distance, both switches offer a unique typing experience, and choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its sharp and clicky noise, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of uses and preferences. Both switches can produce satisfying sound experiences, but the Blue Jade leans towards a more pronounced and distinct click, while the Taro provides a more balanced and versatile option.
In terms of feel, the Blue Jade switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, while the Jwick Taro switch is often described as buttery and stepped. The buttery feel of the Taro switch suggests a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless typing experience. The stepped characteristic indicates a tactile sensation with two stages, offering a more subtle tactility compared to some other switches. While the feel of the Blue Jade switch remains undisclosed, the Taro's buttery and stepped qualities suggest a comfortable and controlled typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Jade excels in producing sharp and clicky sound feedback, while the Taro provides a more neutral and adaptable sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Taro's buttery and stepped characteristics offer a smooth and controlled typing experience, while the feel of the Blue Jade remains unspecified. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and can provide satisfying typing experiences, depending on the user's preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, you should choose the Blue Jade if you prefer a switch with a lower bottom out force and a louder, more pronounced clicky sound. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a more subtle, buttery typing experience, the Taro switch would be a better option for you. Consider your typing preferences and environment when making your decision to ensure you choose the switch that will enhance your overall typing experience.
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