Gateron Glory Red vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence both your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Gateron Glory Red switches, known for their smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, offer a light touch that caters to those who favor linear feedback without tactile bumps, making them ideal for fast typists and gamers seeking quick key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches utilize Hall Effect technology to deliver a distinctively bright and clacky sound, enhancing the acoustic profile of your keyboard while providing a unique feel that many enthusiasts cherish. This switch is best suited for users looking to elevate their typing experience with improved sound quality and responsiveness. While both switches have their merits—Glory Reds for their seamless speed and ease, and Magnetic Jades for their sound and tactile pleasure—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
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, the differences in their top housings are particularly striking. The Glory Red's top housing, made of nylon, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a warmer auditory experience during typing. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which effectively absorbs sound and minimizes high-frequency overtones. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness. This results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, offering a clearer and more resonant typing experience. The use of a translucent polycarbonate housing also enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting setups, allowing for vibrant illumination and dynamic color displays.
Interestingly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housing: nylon. The nylon bottom housing in both the Glory Red and Magnetic Jade provides a consistent auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound as it absorbs vibrations during bottom-out. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel when a key is pressed down, users can expect a similar tactile sensation with both switches. This shared characteristic enhances the overall experience, as the bottom housing works in tandem with the top housing to shape the sound profile whenever keys are actuated.
The contrasting materials in the top housings create a unique dichotomy in sound profiles between the two switch models, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches present a consistent bottoming feel. Therefore, if a user is seeking a fuller sound experience, they may gravitate toward the Gateron Glory Red, while those preferring a crisper sound will likely choose the Gateron Magnetic Jade. Regardless of the selection, the similarities in the bottom housing mean that a consistent tactile baseline and full sound experience can be anticipated across both switch types. Ultimately, the choice between these switches relies on personal sound preferences and aesthetic inclinations.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Glory Red switch has a specified actuation force of 45 grams, making it the heavier option of the two, while the Magnetic Jade switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This disparity means that users who prefer a lighter feel during long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons may gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Magnetic Jade provides a defined force of 55 grams, indicating a medium-light resistance when fully depressed, whereas the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable. Therefore, while the two switches cater to different preferences, with the Magnetic Jade being the lighter and more responsive option, the lack of a specified bottom out force for the Glory Red means we cannot make a direct comparison in that area. Users seeking a more substantial typing experience might appreciate the heavier nature of the Glory Red, while those looking for a less fatiguing choice may favor the Magnetic Jade.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Glory Red is better suited for those who prefer a more pronounced key press, as its longer travel distance provides a deeper feel. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers seeking faster response times and a snappier feel when typing or gaming. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, it plays a crucial role in the typing experience—those who enjoy a more responsive switch might favor the Magnetic Jade, while others who appreciate a fuller key press might opt for the Glory Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch is typically characterized by a relatively quiet keystroke, reflecting its linear design which minimizes any audible feedback during typing. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise levels should be kept to a minimum, providing an unobtrusive typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch is known for its bright and clacky sound profile, adding an engaging auditory element to each keystroke. This pronounced acoustic feedback can be particularly satisfying for users who enjoy a more pronounced soundscape while typing, making it well-suited for users who appreciate an amplified typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red excels with a smooth and lightweight keystroke, allowing for effortless typing. The lack of tactile bumps or resistance means that users can maintain a fluid motion across their keyboard, contributing to a generally comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, on the other hand, offers a distinct tactile feedback alongside its actuation; this is particularly appreciated in applications that benefit from clearer transition points in keystrokes. The combination of a satisfying tactile sensation and the hall effect technology likely contributes to a dynamic typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a more engaging interaction with their keyboard.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Glory Red provides a quieter and smoother experience, the Magnetic Jade delivers a louder and more tactile response. Ultimately, your choice will largely depend on your priorities—whether you value a silent, fluid keystroke or a more engaging auditory and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for sound, feel, and force requirements. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless keystroke with a lightweight feel, the Glory Red is the ideal option for you, providing a satisfying typing experience with its smooth travel and no bottom-out force. This makes it great for long typing sessions or for those who prefer a lighter touch. Conversely, if you desire a more tactile response and a brighter, clackier sound—perfect for an engaging auditory experience—the Magnetic Jade should be your top choice. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it offers a more defined feedback when you press the keys, making it suitable for typists who like a bit more resistance and sound to accompany their strokes. Therefore, consider your typing style and what sensations you enjoy while typing or gaming before making your decision between these two exceptional switches.
Mentioned in this article
