Outemu Blue Jade vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options come to mind: the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch. The Blue Jade switch is known for its satisfying clicky feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° switch by Gateron is praised for its innovative design that offers a smooth and silent typing experience. Both switches have their own unique features and advantages, catering to 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° are quite different from each other. The Blue Jade uses a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Zero Degree 0° utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While nylon offers a duller and rounder sound, polycarbonate provides a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast in top housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of the switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings of these two switches, both the Blue Jade and the Zero Degree 0° use nylon material. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Both switches benefit from the qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, contributing to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While the top housing may differ between the two switches, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of acoustics and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the Outemu Blue Jade and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. The contrasting nylon and polycarbonate top housings result in distinct sound profiles, with the Blue Jade offering a deeper and fuller sound, while the Zero Degree 0° providing a sharper and crisper sound. However, the shared use of nylon material in the bottom housings ensures a similar typing experience between the two switches, with both offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the housing materials chosen for these switches contribute significantly to their overall performance and user experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we see that the Blue Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Zero Degree 0° at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Blue Jade at 65 grams is heavier than the Zero Degree 0°, which is unknown. The Blue Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy force, while the Zero Degree 0° offers a lighter actuation force for smoother keystrokes. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Blue Jade being better for those who prefer a stronger push feel and the Zero Degree 0° being ideal for longer typing sessions due to its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the specific typing needs of the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° has the shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Blue Jade. The shorter travel distance of the Gateron switch may appeal to users looking for faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Outemu Blue Jade may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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
The Outemu Blue Jade is best known for its tactile feedback and audible click, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy the sound and feel of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed to revolutionize silent typing, offering a smooth and stable typing experience with a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. While the Blue Jade offers a tactile bump and audible feedback, the Zero Degree 0° provides a quiet and smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard chassis and keycap material. Both switches have their own unique qualities, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, deciding between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a tactile and clicky typing experience or a silent and smooth one.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a clicky and tactile response, the Outemu Blue Jade would be a great choice for you. The medium-heavy bottom out force provides a satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is the way to go. With its innovative design that reduces noise while maintaining stability and smoothness, this switch is ideal for those who value a quiet typing environment. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best suits your typing needs.
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