Outemu Blue Jade vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gazzew U4T 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, known for its clicky nature, and the Gazzew U4T, praised for its tactile feedback. The Blue Jade switch offers a satisfying click sound with each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4T switch boasts a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, resulting in a bassy 'thock' sound profile along with assertive tactile feedback. While the Blue Jade is ideal for those who enjoy the audible feedback of a clicky switch, the Gazzew U4T appeals to users seeking a tactile 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gazzew U4T both focus on delivering a rich and deep sound profile, with the Blue Jade utilizing a nylon top and bottom housing while the U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both top and bottom housing. Both nylon and the Gazzew blend are described as soft plastics that absorb sound well, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality from both switches.
However, the difference lies in the specific characteristics of the nylon and Gazzew blend. The Blue Jade's nylon housing is a classic material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the U4T's Gazzew blend is described as delivering a rich and deep sound profile. While both materials offer similar sound profiles, the slight variations in softness and composition of the plastics may result in nuanced differences in sound when typing on the switches.
In terms of tactile feedback, the bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. With the Blue Jade using nylon for both top and bottom housing, and the U4T utilizing its proprietary Gazzew blend for both, users can expect a consistent and cohesive typing experience with either switch.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have different actuation forces but the same bottom out force. The Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel, while the U4T's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches bottom out at 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Blue Jade for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the U4T for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch are both 4 mm, meaning they both offer the same key press experience in terms of travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Blue Jade or the U4T, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm when typing. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness, regardless of which switch they choose. This makes it easier for individuals to choose between the two switches based on their other unique characteristics, such as sound profile and actuation force, rather than focusing on travel distance.
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 U4T 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 its loud and clicky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a bassy thock sound that is deeper and richer, paired with a sharp tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Jade focusing on clicky feedback while the U4T emphasizes a bassy thockiness.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is described as smooth. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump that offers a high feedback intensity with each key press. The sharp tactility of the U4T switch provides a satisfying and pronounced tactile feedback that can be distinctly felt, enhancing the typing experience for those who prefer a tactile switch. The feel of a switch is a crucial factor in determining the overall typing experience, and both the Blue Jade and U4T switches offer unique tactile sensations for users to enjoy.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Jade provides a loud and clicky sound profile with a smooth feel, the U4T switch embodies a bassy thockiness in sound and a sharp tactile feedback in feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing experiences, delivering auditory and tactile satisfaction in their unique ways. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a distinctive clicky sound and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Blue Jade switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, the Gazzew U4T switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. Ultimately, choosing between the Blue Jade and U4T switches will depend on whether you prioritize a clicky sound or a tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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