Outemu Blue Jade vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Yellow Silver, a linear switch, there are key differences to consider. The Blue Jade is known for its satisfying clicky sound, perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. While the Blue Jade provides a tactile typing experience, the Yellow Silver offers a smoother and quieter 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Yellow Silver, the most noticeable difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Blue Jade opts for a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction in material showcases how the type of plastic used can greatly impact the sound produced by the switch, offering users a choice between a duller, rounder sound or a more clear, resonant sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blue Jade and Yellow Silver utilize nylon as their material of choice. This classic switch housing material leads to a similar deep and full sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer nature absorbs sound effectively. This consistent choice in bottom housing material highlights how the switch designers prioritize a specific sound profile and tactile experience for users, regardless of the color and specific characteristics of the switch.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials for the Outemu Blue Jade and Outemu Yellow Silver demonstrates the importance of top and bottom housings in determining the overall sound profile and feel of a switch. While the Blue Jade's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches ensures a consistent experience in terms of sound absorption and tactile feedback. Ultimately, users can choose between a softer, more absorbent sound profile with the Blue Jade or a clearer, more resonant sound with the Yellow Silver based on their personal preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Blue Jade requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Blue Jade is 65 grams, making it heavier than the Yellow Silver, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Blue Jade also requires more force to fully press down the key compared to the Yellow Silver. In general, the Blue Jade provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, while the Yellow Silver offers a lighter and smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent and equal amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that whether you choose the Blue Jade clicky switch or the Yellow Silver linear switch, you will receive similar results in terms of key travel distance. This allows for a consistent typing experience across different switches, making it easier for users to adjust between the two without significant differences in key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.
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
The Blue Jade switch is known for its clicky sound profile, providing a satisfying audible click with each key press. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a more subtle and moderate sound level that is suitable for various environments. When it comes to feel, the Blue Jade switch provides a tactile feedback due to its click mechanism, giving users a sense of confirmation with each keystroke. The Yellow Silver switch, on the other hand, offers a smooth and linear keystroke without any tactile bump, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer a consistent feel across all keys.
Overall, both the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Blue Jade switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Yellow Silver switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout, keycap material, and typing technique. Ultimately, the best way to determine which switch is right for you is to try them out and see which one feels the most comfortable and enjoyable to use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch versus the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is important to assess your individual preferences and needs to make the best choice. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky sound profile, the Blue Jade may be the ideal pick for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the Blue Jade may be more suitable for those who value a tactile and audible feedback, while the Yellow Silver may appeal to individuals seeking a smoother and quieter typing experience. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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