Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switches you opt for can dramatically influence your overall experience. For instance, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches are renowned for their smooth keystrokes and satisfying travel distance, categorized as a linear switch. This makes them an appealing choice for gamers and typists who favor a seamless and uninterrupted keypress, particularly during fast-paced actions. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, categorized as a hall effect switch, feature a bright and clacky sound that can enhance the auditory feedback during typing, providing a delightful experience for those who prioritize acoustics along with performance, particularly on Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. Each switch serves a distinct purpose depending on your typing preferences; the Glory Yellow is ideal for those who seek a weightier yet fluid keystroke, while the Magnetic Jade caters to users who desire a pronounced auditory response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, the most notable difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Glory Yellow employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience that many typists appreciate for a more subdued typing environment. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This distinct material choice results in a clear and resonant sound, ideal for those who favor an articulate auditory feedback while typing—especially when keyboard lighting is involved, thanks to polycarbonate's translucency.
Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes similarly to the auditory and tactile feedback experienced when typing. The nylon material, known for its sound-absorbing qualities, allows both the Glory Yellow and Magnetic Jade to maintain a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. This consistent quality across both switches means that users will experience a comparable tactile feel when pressing down on either switch, making it easier for those who may switch between the two to adapt without feeling a significant difference in the bottom-out experience.
However, the overall sound profile enjoyed during use can vary significantly because of the divergent characteristics of the top housings. While both switches deliver a satisfying typing feel, the Glory Yellow will produce a quieter and rounder sound owing to the nylon top, whereas the Magnetic Jade provides a more pronounced and vibrant auditory feedback thanks to its polycarbonate top. This contrast illustrates how each housing material's inherent properties can shape the user experience, making it crucial for enthusiasts to consider individual preferences when selecting between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it heavier than the Magnetic Jade, which only requires 30 grams to actuate—a noticeable difference that caters to users who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, whereas the Magnetic Jade features a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Magnetic Jade offers a firmer feel upon bottoming out. Overall, the Glory Yellow is better suited for users who prefer a heavier push feel, while the Magnetic Jade appeals to those looking for a lighter actuation force combined with a moderate bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Glory Yellow offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile feel during their typing or gaming experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers looking for quicker response times and faster key actuation. While both switches have their own advantages depending on user preference, the Glory Yellow’s 4 mm travel distance is longer, providing a more substantial keystroke, whereas the Magnetic Jade’s 3.5 mm travel distance allows for a more responsive feel. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you favor a deeper, more robust keystroke or a quicker, lighter response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Yellow linear switch produces a more subdued acoustic profile, often characterized by a quiet thock with minimal resonance compared to other mechanical switch types. This makes it ideal for environments where you want to maintain a low noise level while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch is known for its bright, clacky sound, making it appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback as they type. The clacky nature of the Magnetic Jade switches can create a more engaging sonic experience, particularly when paired with certain keycap materials that enhance their acoustic properties.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches offer a smooth keystroke experience that is enjoyable for extended typing sessions. The heavier actuation force gives a satisfying level of resistance that helps prevent accidental key presses, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more deliberate typing action. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade switches provide a unique sensation due to their hall effect technology, which may offer a different kind of tactile feedback that some users find exceptionally satisfying. However, the specifics of this tactile experience may differ and could be influenced by personal preference.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches cater to distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. While the Glory Yellow offers a quiet, smooth feel, ideal for those desiring a more subdued typing experience, the Magnetic Jade shines with its bright, clacky sound and unique tactile feedback, appealing to users looking for something a bit more lively. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal typing style and sound preference, but both promise a quality experience suited to different needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a smooth and enjoyable keystroke experience with a lighter bottoming out force, the Glory Yellow is your optimal choice. It's ideal for those who prefer a more subdued acoustics profile, providing a softer sound while ensuring a pleasant typing feel, which is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or quiet environments. On the other hand, if you seek a more pronounced auditory feedback and a medium-light feel that still allows for a satisfying, tactile experience, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is worth considering. This switch excels in roles where you want both clarity in sound and responsiveness in action, making it perfect for gaming or when you want a lively typing atmosphere. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you favor a smooth and quieter experience with the Glory Yellow or a clacky, vibrant typing feel with the Magnetic Jade.
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