Outemu Blue Jade vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, one can see distinct differences in their key features. The Blue Jade is best known for its clicky feedback, making it a popular choice for typists who enjoy auditory confirmation with each keypress. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, appealing to those seeking a balanced typing experience. The Blue Jade falls under the clicky switch category, whereas the Violet Gold Pro is categorized as a tactile switch with a 'Stepped' and 'Neutral' profile. Both switches have their unique advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches, we can see that the Blue Jade features a nylon top housing while the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Violet Gold Pro.
Interestingly, both the Blue Jade and Violet Gold Pro switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This shared housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder bottom housings. Despite the difference in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent feel and sound profile between the two switches.
It's important to note that the qualities of the housing materials in a switch are divided between the top and bottom parts of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. While the Outemu Blue Jade and Dareu Violet Gold Pro may have different top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Violet Gold Pro's lighter 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Jade requires 65 grams, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force is unknown. The Blue Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer distance between the two switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within a similar range of travel distances, the Blue Jade offers a slightly deeper keypress compared to the Violet Gold Pro. This may be preferred by individuals looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing or gaming. However, for those looking for a quicker response time, the Violet Gold Pro with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its loud and satisfying click with each key press, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy the audible feedback of a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, the Blue Jade may be more suitable for those who enjoy a clicky and pronounced typing sound, while the Violet Gold Pro may be preferred by those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Blue Jade is renowned for its tactile bump and crisp feedback with each key press, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer switches with a prominent tactile bump. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as having a stepped feel, which means it provides a more subtle tactile feedback compared to the Blue Jade. This can be appealing to users who prefer a gentler bump during their typing sessions, offering a more subdued tactile experience while still providing feedback.
Overall, while the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer different sound and feel characteristics, they both cater to individuals looking for a tactile typing experience. Choosing between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference, with the Blue Jade being more suitable for those who enjoy a loud and clicky typing sound, while the Violet Gold Pro may be preferred by those who prefer a quieter and more subtle tactile feedback. Regardless of the choice, both switches are capable of providing a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of performance and comfort.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a clicky switch with medium-heavy actuation force and more audible typing feedback, the Blue Jade may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a lighter touch, medium tactility, and a neutral sound profile, the Violet Gold Pro could provide a more balanced and versatile typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and requirements.