Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role, and comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Magnetic Jade illustrates this diversity. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is celebrated for its budget-friendly yet high-quality tactile feedback, featuring a mild bump that provides a satisfying typing sensation without breaking the flow. Its frosted light diffuser accentuates RGB lighting, ensuring a visually stunning setup to match your ambiance. Conversely, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch brings a unique twist with its hall effect design, delivering a bright and clacky acoustics that elevates the auditory experience, particularly for users of the Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. While the Brown switch appeals to those seeking a balanced and immersive tactile feel, the Magnetic Jade caters to enthusiasts looking for enhanced sound and responsiveness. Both switches have their unique strengths, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Magnetic Jade both employ polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in similarly sharp, high-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. This shared material choice contributes to the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the switches are actuated. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate's translucency, allowing for effective RGB lighting effects if used in a keyboard setup. Since both top housings are made from the same high-stiffness plastic, users can expect a consistent audio experience when comparing the sound of the two switches and their overall visual aesthetics.
While the top housings of the G Pro 3.0 Brown and Magnetic Jade are identical in their composition, their bottom housing materials differ. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer nature which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder audio profile. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, maintaining the same auditory characteristics as its counterpart. This consistency in bottom housing materials means that both switches will deliver the same deeper sound experience when pressed down, further emphasizing the similarities between them.
Despite the different models, users can expect similar effects when using these switches due to their shared materialities in both top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing influences the sound produced during key release, ensuring a clear audio response, while the nylon bottom housing shapes the typing experience and bottom-out sound, providing a warm fullness to each keystroke. Consequently, even with the specific branding of each switch, the acoustic and tactile outcomes remain aligned, showcasing the effective combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both designs. Overall, keyboard enthusiasts can select either option with confidence, knowing that the performance will align closely.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch differ significantly in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight switch that may provide a substantial feel during typing. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This makes the Magnetic Jade more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as the lower resistance requires less effort, potentially leading to reduced fatigue. While both switches exhibit a distinct level of resistance, they cater to different preferences; users who favor a heavier, more tactile experience might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, whereas those who enjoy a lighter touch would benefit from the sensitivity of the Magnetic Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there is a notable difference. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Magnetic Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that those who favor a deeper keystroke with more resistance and feedback might prefer the G Pro 3.0 Brown, as it provides the traditional tactile experience associated with longer travel. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade's shorter distance caters to gamers and those who prioritize rapid response times, as it allows for quicker activation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth in keystrokes versus responsiveness: the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers more depth, whereas the Magnetic Jade promotes faster actuation with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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
In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch delivers a medium-high pitch that offers a satisfying auditory feedback, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for typing without being overly loud. This balanced acoustics allows for an immersive auditory experience, complementing the tactile stimulation while ensuring it's not intrusive in a shared workspace. In comparison, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch produces a bright and clacky sound, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize acoustic performance. The distinct sound profile not only enhances the typing experience but also injects a playful energy, ideal for any enthusiast looking to make their typing sessions more engaging.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown excels with its easy-to-press activation that requires minimal force, providing a comfortable typing experience that reduces fatigue during prolonged use. The mild tactile bump of the switch is carefully designed to offer a moderate experience, appealing to a broad range of users. The stepped tactile nature of the switch ensures that there is a noticeable distinction in the actuation while maintaining a smooth typing flow. In contrast, specific characteristics regarding the feel of the Magnetic Jade switch are unknown, though its reputation as a hall effect switch suggests a potentially smoother operation compared to traditional mechanical switches.
Overall, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch bring unique qualities to the table, catering to diverse preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The G Pro 3.0 Brown focuses on delivering a pleasant auditory experience and a comfortable typing feel, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a balanced switch. Meanwhile, the Magnetic Jade switch prioritizes brighter sound characteristics, exciting those who appreciate enhanced acoustics in their typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the subtlety of the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the lively feedback of the Magnetic Jade, you'll find options that enhance your overall typing experience according to your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you value a gentle tactile feel with a moderate actuation force that balances comfort and responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice. Its subtle tactile bump enhances your typing flow without being overwhelming, making it perfect for long typing sessions where fatigue is a concern. Additionally, the RGB lighting effect offered by the G Pro series adds a pleasing visual element to your setup. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more dynamic and engaging typing experience, particularly if you appreciate a brighter and clackier sound, the Magnetic Jade might be the right switch for you. With its medium-light actuation force and superior acoustics, it shines especially well on keyboards like the Wooting Hall Effect, catering to those who prioritize auditory feedback and a lively typing atmosphere. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you desire, ensuring you select the switch that aligns best with your style.
Mentioned in this article
