Outemu Blue Jade vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch, it's important to consider the distinct characteristics of each. The Blue Jade is known for its clicky mechanism, providing audible feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience with its linear design. The Blue Jade is categorized as clicky, while the Tourmaline Blue falls into the categories of buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Depending on your preference for sound, feel, and typing style, you may lean towards the clicky nature of the Blue Jade or the smooth linear action of the Tourmaline Blue. 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
59g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Overall, the comparison between the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue reveals significant differences in sound profiles and material properties. The Blue Jade's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast in sound characteristics showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Furthermore, the aesthetic differences between the two housing materials are also notable, with the Blue Jade's nylon housing offering a classic look and feel, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing provides a clear, translucent appearance that is especially ideal for RGB lighting effects. This difference in visual appeal reflects the versatility of polycarbonate in achieving a modern and customizable look for mechanical keyboards. While both housing materials serve their purpose effectively in enhancing sound profiles, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate may ultimately come down to personal preference and desired aesthetics for the user.
In terms of functionality, the split between top and bottom housing materials in a switch can impact the overall sound and feel when typing. The qualities of the bottom housing material will have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material will play a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards based on their desired sound profile, tactile feedback, and visual preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with an actuation force of 59 grams. However, the Outemu Blue Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams in contrast to the 67 grams bottom out force of the Tourmaline Blue. Both switches fall in the medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Outemu Blue Jade may be the better choice. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, the travel distance remains consistent, providing a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth. This means that whether you choose the Blue Jade or the Tourmaline Blue switch, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. This makes them both suitable options for users who prefer a key with a 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 switch is best known for its loud and clicky sound profile, which is favored by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience without the loud clickiness. The Tourmaline Blue switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various users and settings. Ultimately, the sound of a switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch offers a tactile and clicky typing experience, with users enjoying the feedback and responsiveness of each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It is also noted for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch is considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a loud and tactile typing experience, the Blue Jade switch would be the way to go. However, if you're looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience with minimal force required, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you should take into account your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch that offers a loud and satisfying click with a tactile bump, the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you want to have while using your keyboard.
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