KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can drastically influence your typing experience. The KTT Ash Gray switch is a tactile option, known for its smooth yet substantial tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance between a lighter touch and a crisp actuation. This makes it an ideal choice for typists who appreciate tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance, providing a mild and neutral typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch leverages hall effect technology to deliver a bright and clacky sound, offering an engaging auditory experience that can enhance the overall feel of your keyboard, particularly for gamers or enthusiasts looking to improve acoustics. While both switches cater to different preferences—one focusing on subtlety and tactile precision, the other on auditory feedback and unique technology—each has its own strengths. 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
38g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, it becomes apparent that both switches utilize the same materials for their respective top and bottom housings. The top housing for both models is made of polycarbonate, a choice that contributes to their shared sound profile characteristics. The polycarbonate top allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing, largely due to the stiffness of the material. This uniformity in top housing not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound but also offers aesthetic benefits, particularly for RGB lighting setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through effectively.
While the top housings are identical, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which introduces a different auditory quality. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, when typing on both the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, users will experience a soft, rounded sound from the bottom housing that balances the crispness from the polycarbonate top. The nylon contributes to a more muted bottom-out sound when pressing the switches down, further enhancing the overall typing experience by contrasting with the sharper top end.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops with nylon bottoms in both the Ash Gray and Magnetic Jade switches leads to an interesting interplay of sound qualities. Users can expect a consistent approach to sound and feel when typing with either switch, thanks to the shared materials. The synergy of the stiffer polycarbonate and the softer nylon produces a balanced auditory output that is both clear and rich, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying typing experience regardless of the switch in hand. Thus, while there are differences in the overall feel based on the materials' characteristics, the results in sound profile and performance deliver a similarly enjoyable outcome for both the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch both provide a medium-light typing experience, but they differ slightly in terms of actuation force. The Ash Gray switch requires an actuation force of 38 grams, while the Magnetic Jade switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This means that for users who prefer a less strenuous keystroke, the Gateron Magnetic Jade would be the better choice. However, both switches have comparable bottom out forces, with the Ash Gray at 53 grams and the Magnetic Jade at 55 grams. Therefore, while the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option in terms of initial actuation, both switches will feel similarly weighted when fully pressed down due to their closely matched bottom out forces. Users may prefer the Ash Gray for a slightly more substantial tactile feedback, especially when transitioning to the bottom.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch share the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar feel when pressing down on either switch. Since both switches have an identical travel distance, this implies that the key feedback and typing experience will feel roughly equivalent in terms of depth during operation. Therefore, whether you choose the Ash Gray or the Magnetic Jade, you can expect similar results regarding how far the key travels down when pressed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch strikes a balance with its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in more professional settings. Its moderate acoustic characteristics ensure that it’s not overly distracting, which is advantageous for users who may share their space with others. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switch, on the other hand, is designed to deliver a bright and clacky sound. This makes it a more vibrant option that may stand out in a busy environment, ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback as they type. While both switches cater to different auditory preferences, the choice ultimately hinges on whether one prioritizes a more subtle sound or a more dynamic, attention-grabbing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray excels with an easy-to-press characteristic, promoting a light touch that minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged use. Its mild tactile feedback ensures that the typing experience is comfortable yet engaging without being overwhelming, appealing to both novices and seasoned typists alike. The Ash Gray's design fosters a gentle resistance that enhances the overall fluidity of keystrokes. Unfortunately, there isn't detailed information available about the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch at this time, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, given that it is positioned as a top choice for a superior typing experience, one might speculate that it offers an engaging feel as well, albeit with a different emphasis on the tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches serve distinct purposes in the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Ash Gray offers a neutral sound profile and a comfortable, mild tactile experience, making it a versatile option for various typing needs. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade provides a more exuberant auditory experience, appealing to those who value pronounced sound over a subtler approach. While feel attributes are less clear for the Magnetic Jade, the Ash Gray excels in providing a user-friendly experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend heavily on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, ensuring that enthusiasts can find the switch that best suits their typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch boils down to your specific preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, the Ash Gray switch would be a fantastic choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams allows for a comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for everyday use, whether you’re typing up reports, coding, or engaging in long gaming sessions. Its neutral sound profile also makes it suitable for quiet environments like offices, where you want to avoid disturbing others. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more vibrant auditory experience coupled with a bright and clacky sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch excels in this area and is perfect for those who enjoy an engaging and enhanced acoustic feedback while typing. With a slightly firmer bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Jade switch caters to users who prefer more pronounced feedback and don’t mind the extra sound—an excellent choice for gamers or those who use their keyboards in more dynamic settings. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you plan to use your keyboard and what sensations you find most enjoyable while typing.
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