Outemu Blue vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and Gateron Type S stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Outemu Blue is a clicky switch, known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump or audible click. While the Outemu Blue may be preferred by those who enjoy the satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Gateron Type S caters to users looking for a quieter and smoother 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and Gateron Type S switches both feature a nylon bottom housing, which results in a similar deep and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housing material differs between the two switches - the Blue's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Type S's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Blue switch's top housing also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, making it aesthetically pleasing for users looking for customization options.
In terms of sound and feel, the bottom housing material plays a larger role in the overall experience of pressing down a key on both the Blue and Type S switches. This is because the nylon bottom housing in both switches absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue switch producing a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Type S's nylon top housing. While both switches offer different sound profiles based on their housing materials, they both deliver satisfying typing experiences with their unique characteristics.
Overall, the Outemu Blue and Gateron Type S switches showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. The Blue switch's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for users looking for a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Type S switch's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more mellow typing sound. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a consistent deep and fuller sound profile when pressing down keys, providing a similar typing experience in that aspect.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, the actuation force of the Blue is lighter at 50 grams compared to the Type S at 55 grams. However, the Blue switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Type S has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter keystroke, the Outemu Blue switch would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Gateron Type S switch for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As such, in terms of travel distance, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch offer similar results and experiences for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70.
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 clicky switch is best known for its loud and crisp click sound, which can be quite satisfying for some users. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch is known for its more neutral and subdued sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience overall. Depending on personal preference, some users may enjoy the clicky sound of the Blue switch, while others may prefer the more subtle typing noise of the Type S switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click, providing a tactile feedback that some users find satisfying. The Gateron Type S linear switch, on the other hand, offers a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump or audible click, allowing for a more linear and consistent typing experience. Those who prefer a more traditional linear switch may gravitate towards the Type S, while users who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch may prefer the Outemu Blue.
Overall, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue switch provides a loud and tactile typing experience with its audible click and tactile bump, the Type S switch offers a quieter and smoother typing experience without the tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to find the one that best suits their typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and durability, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a light actuation force, the Outemu Blue switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Gateron Type S linear switch would be a better option. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience that best suits your needs and preferences.
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