Outemu Blue Jade vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct typing experiences for enthusiasts to consider. The Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch that provides a tactile feedback with an audible click, making it ideal for those who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Blue Jade offers a traditional clicky typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a buttery and high-pitched typing sensation. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, we can see some key differences. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. This distinction in sound quality showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blue Jade once again utilizes nylon for its housing material, creating a similar deep and full sound profile as seen in the top housing. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches use a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how the construction of the switch can influence factors such as smoothness and durability, providing users with a unique typing experience.
While the Blue Jade and the Vanilla Ice Cream may have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials on the overall typing experience is evident. The bottom housing, whether nylon or POK, affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback, making them appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Jade is the heavier option. The Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches provide distinct feels due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier Blue Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade switch. The shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may appeal to those who prefer quicker response times and a more responsive feel, such as gamers. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Blue Jade switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press and a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 clicky switch is known for its sharp and crisp click sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback for typists. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, thanks to its unique use of POK material in the stem and housing. This creates a resonant and clean sound profile that sets it apart from other switches in the market.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Jade switch's tactile feedback and typing experience are highly regarded but specific descriptors are unavailable. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of the dessert it's named after. Described as buttery and creamy, these switches deliver a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, allowing typists to glide their fingers across the keys with ease.
Considering the information provided, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Jade provides a sharp click sound and tactile feedback, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its smooth and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky sound profile, then the Blue Jade may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound, then the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be the perfect fit. Whichever switch you choose, both the Blue Jade and the Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what feels best for your typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
