Outemu Blue Jade vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gazzew U4 stand out as popular choices within the community. The Blue Jade is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying audible click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the U4 is a tactile switch, offering a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while also providing a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4 is also praised for its muted, low-pitched sound profile, making it whisper quiet during use. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences - the Blue Jade for those who enjoy a clicky and audible typing experience, and the U4 for those who prefer a tactile feedback with a quieter sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gazzew U4 switches both aim to create a deep and rich sound profile. The Blue Jade uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 utilizes a proprietary plastic blend for both its top and bottom housing, referred to as "boba plastic," which also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In terms of sound, both switches offer a similar experience with their choice of housing materials.
However, where the two switches differ is in the specific qualities that each housing material brings. The Blue Jade's nylon housing is described as creating a fuller sound profile when typing due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and more rounded sound when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Gazzew U4's proprietary plastic blend top and bottom housing enhances the overall sound profile with its unique composition. The "boba plastic" used in the U4 switch provides a rich and deep sound that is distinct from the nylon housing of the Blue Jade.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gazzew U4 comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. While both switches aim to deliver a deep and rich sound profile, the specific qualities of their housing materials set them apart. Whether you prefer the softer and absorbing properties of nylon in the Blue Jade or the unique sound profile created by Gazzew's proprietary plastic blend in the U4, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with distinct characteristics.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch with a force of 45 grams, making the U4 slightly lighter. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Jade requires 65 grams to fully press the key, while the U4 requires 62 grams, making the U4 a slightly heavier option. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation force, providing a tactile typing experience without being overly strenuous. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gazzew U4, while those who like a bit more resistance may opt for the Outemu Blue Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blue Jade has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the U4. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Blue Jade is more traditional, providing a deeper key press sensation, while the 3.6mm travel distance of the U4 offers a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the U4 for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Blue Jade. Overall, both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50.
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 producing a loud and satisfying click with each keypress, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is specifically designed to be whisper quiet, thanks to its muted sound profile. The U4's low-pitched tones provide a more subtle and calming typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter environment while typing.
In terms of feel, the Blue Jade switch offers a tactile bump that is more pronounced than linear switches, providing a satisfying feedback with each keypress. The Gazzew U4 tactile switch, on the other hand, is known for its sharp and distinctive tactile bump, giving typists a high feedback intensity that can be felt distinctly with every keystroke. The U4 switch also provides a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding to the overall typing experience.
Overall, if you prefer a loud and clicky typing experience, the Outemu Blue Jade switch would be the way to go. However, if you prefer a quieter, more subtle typing experience with a sharp tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 switch would be a better choice. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps, so experiment with different setups to find the perfect typing experience for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a loud sound profile, the Outemu Blue Jade would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, a muted sound profile, and a sharp tactile bump, then the Gazzew U4 would be the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience and sound level. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment. Happy typing!
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