Outemu Blue Jade vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the differences between the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Weightlessness is essential for tailoring your typing experience. The Outemu Blue Jade is recognized for its clicky feedback, appealing to typists who enjoy an audible and tactile response with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who thrive on tactile engagement and enjoy the nostalgic feeling of classic typewriters. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more subdued typing experience with its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, striking a balance that caters to users who prefer a quieter keyboard while still enjoying a satisfying tactile bump. The Weightlessness switches are designed for a balanced sound profile, enhancing the typing experience without the overpowering clicks of a traditional clicky switch like the Blue Jade. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Gateron Weightlessness are notably similar, both utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon, as a switch housing material, is praised for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This similarity in material choice suggests that both switches will deliver comparable auditory experiences; they will produce a duller and rounder sound due to nylon's softer nature, which aids in sound absorption. Consequently, users can expect that both switches will exhibit a rich and pleasant acoustic performance that enhances the overall typing experience.
While the composition of the housings is consistent across the two switches, the interaction between the top and bottom housings is crucial in shaping the overall feel and sound during operation. In both the Blue Jade and Weightlessness switches, the qualities imparted by the nylon housing will manifest during different stages of key activation. The bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out feel and sound when the key is fully pressed down, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the auditory experience when the key is released. This balanced distribution of characteristics allows for a comprehensive typing experience that remains consistent across both switch models.
Furthermore, although the materials are the same, the manufacturing processes and design intricacies may still lead to subtle differences in responsiveness and tactile feedback. Both switches' nylon housings facilitate a similar sound profile, but users might discover unique sensations or performance nuances based on other aspects such as spring weight and stem design. Therefore, while the fundamental acoustic characteristics may align due to the shared nylon material, individual preferences for tactile feedback and overall typing feel might lead users to prefer one switch over the other despite the similarities in housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that they require an equal amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This similarity provides users with a consistent typing experience in terms of responsiveness. However, the bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade is 65 grams, marking it as medium-heavy, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness is unknown, rendering a direct comparison difficult. Without a specified bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch, we can't draw any conclusions about its performance upon complete key depression. Consequently, while both switches offer a light actuation in the same force range, the Outemu Blue Jade's heavier bottom out may be preferred by those who enjoy more resistance and a substantial feel during typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in terms of key feel. The Outemu Blue Jade has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, which many users might appreciate for its more substantial and hearty feel during key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker responsiveness, particularly in gaming contexts. While both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness may feel too abrupt for some users who prefer the depth found in the Blue Jade’s longer travel. Therefore, if you seek a more traditional key press experience with a noticeable depth, the Outemu Blue Jade is the better choice, while the Gateron Weightlessness is suitable for those prioritizing speed and swift actions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 has a distinct auditory profile that stands out, though specific descriptions of its sound characteristics are not detailed. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch is known for offering a balanced sound profile that aligns nicely with its tactile feedback. This means the Weightlessness provides a more understated acoustic experience than the Blue Jade, which allows for quieter typing while still producing the satisfying sound you'd expect from a mechanical switch. It's essential to note, however, that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycaps used in conjunction with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Blue Jade is not explicitly described, leaving some ambiguity around its tactile feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness is characterized by a subtle to moderate tactile sensation that many users find comfortable for both typing and gaming. This tactile feedback, combined with its balanced sound profile, provides a pleasant experience for those who enjoy a bit of texture beneath their fingers without feeling overly pronounced or disruptive. The user experience with the Blue Jade may vary, but if it offers a similar tactile experience, users could potentially enjoy comparable typing experiences.
Overall, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a clear distinction in sound and feel, the Outemu Blue Jade's characteristics remain less defined in these areas. If you're aiming for a clicky switch with pronounced auditory feedback, the Blue Jade may be your preference, while the Weightlessness is likely better suited for those who favor a more balanced sound and subtle tactile response. Ultimately, both switches are crafted to enhance the mechanical keyboard experience, but your choice will depend on what qualities you prioritize—louder clicks versus a more refined tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy the retro sound and tactile feedback that brings a sense of nostalgia while typing, the Blue Jade switch, with its medium-heavy actuation force and distinctive clicky sound, is an excellent choice for you. It's ideal for those who like to feel each key press strongly and enjoy auditory feedback as they work or game. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a more subtle tactile response, the Gateron Weightlessness is the better option. Known for its gentle tactile feel and balanced sound profile, this switch is particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or office environments where noise level is a consideration. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards a more engaging yet noisier experience with the Blue Jade or a refined, quieter approach with the Gateron Weightlessness.
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