Outemu Blue Jade vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Blue Jade is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience with audible feedback. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out with its linear design, providing a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. While the Blue Jade is categorized as a clicky switch, the Xinhai falls under the categories of 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the HMX Xinhai switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to the different materials used. The Blue Jade's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches also contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile. However, the use of polycarbonate in the Xinhai's top housing results in a more clear and resonant sound compared to the duller sound produced by the Blue Jade's nylon top housing.
In terms of aesthetics, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual experience of the switch. Meanwhile, the solid color of the Blue Jade's nylon top housing may not be as visually striking when used with RGB lighting setups. Both switches use nylon in their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience with a deep and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon material. The contrast between the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Xinhai's top housing and the fuller sound of nylon in the Blue Jade's top housing highlights how housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom sections of a switch allows for distinct characteristics to be felt during different stages of typing. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, contributing to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound produced when a key is released, providing a unique auditory feedback. While both the Blue Jade and the Xinhai switches offer a deep and full sound profile due to the nylon bottom housing, their contrasting top housing materials result in distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. In comparison, the Xinhai has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Blue Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Xinhai offers a lighter touch for more extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Blue Jade is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Xinhai, providing users with distinct options depending on their preferences for typing intensity.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade. Typically, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide more satisfying depth to the typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you favor a quicker response, the Xinhai would be the better option, but if you enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, the Blue Jade might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 tactile clicking noise that provides an audible confirmation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer distinct auditory feedback, but the Blue Jade is more focused on a traditional clicky sound, while the Xinhai brings a unique clacky tone to the table.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch provides a tactile bump when pressed, giving typists a satisfying feel of actuation. Unfortunately, specific information on the feel of the Blue Jade is not available. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that adds liveliness to each keystroke. Additionally, the Xinhai switch is praised for its creamy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that is akin to effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. Overall, both switches offer tactile feedback, but the Xinhai's bouncy and creamy qualities set it apart from the Blue Jade in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Jade excels in providing a loud and tactile clicking noise, while the Xinhai impresses with its clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy feel. Depending on your preference for auditory and tactile feedback, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a heavier bottom out force and a loud, crisp clicky sound, the Outemu Blue Jade switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smoother, bouncy feel with a unique acoustics profile, the HMX Xinhai linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the sound and feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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