KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choices often boil down to personal preference and typing experience. The KTT Cream Yellow is a linear switch celebrated for its bouncy and clacky characteristics, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback—perfect for those who appreciate an engaging typing experience. Its lengthened spring enhances the lively feel, making each keystroke feel responsive and satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade stands out with its innovative hall effect technology, delivering a bright and clacky sound that elevates acoustic performance, particularly suited for users looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. While both switches share a penchant for auditory feedback, the Cream Yellow focuses on a bouncier typing feel whereas the Magnetic Jade emphasizes superior acoustics and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches both feature polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a distinctly sharper and crisper sound profile characterized by high-pitched tones. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's rigidity as a material, which enhances the sound's clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially attractive for RGB setups, allowing for vibrant lighting effects to shine through the top housing. Since both switches share this material, they will likely produce similar auditory experiences when pressed, given that the top housing plays a significant role in the sound profile during key release.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which significantly influences the tactile feedback and overall sound quality during key presses. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb vibrations more effectively than stiffer materials. As a result, switches that utilize nylon as their bottom housing typically project a deeper, rounder sound that dampens the higher frequencies. This difference in material composition—rigid polycarbonate at the top and softer nylon at the bottom—results in a balanced sound profile where the top provides clarity while the bottom focuses on deeper tones.

Thus, while the KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches share similar sound characteristics at the top due to their polycarbonate housings, the contrasting materials in the bottom housing serve to differentiate their tactile experiences. The interplay between the sharp response of the polycarbonate and the muted depth of the nylon allows each switch to offer a unique mix of auditory sensations. When using these switches in a keyboard, expect a synergized sound profile; any user will experience a distinct bottom-out feel from the nylon along with a crisp release sound from the polycarbonate top, providing an overall harmonious experience regardless of which switch is used.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, both the actuation force and bottom out force reveal notable differences in typing experience. The KTT Cream Yellow has a firmer actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which provides a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions due to its easier key presses. While both switches have a similar bottom out force, the Cream Yellow's higher actuation force results in a heavier overall feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile experience. Ultimately, if you are looking for a lighter switch for comfort during extended use, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the better choice, while the KTT Cream Yellow might be favored by those who appreciate a firmer feedback.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning they provide the same amount of vertical movement when pressed. This equality in travel distance ensures that users will experience similar keypress feedback and response while typing or gaming, leading to an overall comparable feel between the two switches. As both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect identical performance in terms of key actuation depth, allowing for a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Cream Yellow switch is notable for its distinctively clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each keystroke. This characteristic is amplified by its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which contribute to a resonant audio feedback that feels bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch also delivers a bright and clacky sound, positioning itself as an ideal upgrade for users wanting enhanced acoustics in their typing experience. While both switches share this clacky quality, the actual sound output may vary based on the specific keyboard build and keycap choice.

When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch stands out with a notably bouncy typing sensation. This is attributed to its lengthened spring, which provides a lively and spring-like feedback, allowing for an enjoyable rebound when the keys are pressed. In contrast, the feel of the Magnetic Jade switch remains less clearly defined, as specific descriptions regarding its tactile feedback and overall typing experience are absent. This distinction can be crucial for users sensitive to the nuances of keystroke feedback.

In conclusion, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer a clacky sound profile, appealing to users who prefer an engaging auditory experience while typing. The Cream Yellow switch excels in providing a bouncy feel that enhances the typing experience, whereas the feel of the Magnetic Jade remains unspecified. For those who prioritize sound and seek a lively typing experience, either switch would be a compelling choice, although the Cream Yellow has a defined advantage in terms of tactile feedback. Ultimately, personal preferences, along with keyboard and keycap combinations, will play a significant role in the final experience with either switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a bouncy feel with a medium bottom-out force, coupled with a distinctly clacky sound, the Cream Yellow switch might be your ideal pick. It excels in providing a satisfying auditory feedback and a lively typing experience, making it great for general typing, gaming, or even just for the joy of hearing those crisp keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a slightly lighter actuation force, along with an enhanced acoustic experience, the Magnetic Jade switch is likely to serve you better. It's specifically optimized for applications that can benefit from hall effect technology, ensuring that every keystroke feels smooth while still delivering that clacky sound. So, choose the Cream Yellow for an engaging typing feel and sound, while reserving the Gateron Magnetic Jade for when you seek that superior performance and versatility, especially in specialized keyboards.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$8.00 per 10

Learn more