Outemu Blue Jade vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and Gazzew U4Tx stand out as popular choices, each offering unique features for different preferences. The Blue Jade switch is well-known for its satisfying clicky feedback, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch marries the best of both worlds by providing a tactile bump without the loud click, resulting in a quieter and more refined typing experience. While the Blue Jade offers a more traditional and tactile feel, the U4Tx provides a smoother and more luxurious 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
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Gazzew U4Tx switches both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile. The Blue Jade utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's softness and sound absorption capabilities. In comparison, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend for both its top and bottom housings, known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness similar to "boba plastic."
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the Outemu Blue Jade and Gazzew U4Tx exhibit differences in their sound profiles based on the specific qualities of nylon and the Gazzew blend plastic. The Blue Jade's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound when pressing down on a key, while the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile. In terms of bottom housing, the nylon material of the Blue Jade contributes to the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4Tx maintains the rich and deep sound profile of the switch.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Blue Jade and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the Blue Jade utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings to create a deeper and fuller sound, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend plastic that delivers a rich and deep sound profile similar to "boba plastic." Each switch's housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience, with the top and bottom housings impacting different aspects of the sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the U4Tx's unspecified actuation force, making the Blue Jade require a slightly heavier touch to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the U4Tx has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams compared to the Blue Jade's 65 grams, indicating that the U4Tx provides a bit more resistance when fully pressing a key. Both switches fall in the medium to medium-heavy category, with the Blue Jade leaning towards the heavier side. Depending on personal preferences, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the U4Tx for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Blue Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the U4Tx has a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade. The shorter travel distance of the U4Tx may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Blue Jade with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their 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 U4Tx 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 Blue Jade switches are generally known for producing a loud and clicky sound with each key press, which is preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a unique blend of a deep, bassy sound when bottoming out combined with a muted and quieter sound when topping out. This results in a more refined and sophisticated sound profile that appeals to those who appreciate a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Jade switches are typically characterized by a tactile bump followed by a smooth keystroke, providing users with a satisfying tactile feedback. In comparison, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are known for their sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each key press. This intense feedback adds a level of precision and responsiveness to typing, making the U4Tx switches a favorite among those who prioritize tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switches and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Jade switches provide a loud and clicky typing experience with a smooth keystroke, the U4Tx switches offer a refined sound profile with a unique blend of bassy and muted tones, along with a sharp tactile feedback that enhances typing precision. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. But rest assured, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a loud, clicky switch with a strong tactile bump and medium-heavy actuation force, the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more refined typing experience with a softer sound profile, a sharp tactile bump, and a slightly lighter actuation force, the Gazzew U4Tx switch could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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