TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference in tactile feedback and auditory experience. The TTC Gold Red switches are celebrated for their smooth linear feel, striking a balance between a light to medium resistance that allows for a comfortable, effortless typing experience. Their snappy yet subtle sound profile adds a touch of character to your keyboard without being overpowering, making them an excellent choice for those who value a refined and polished feel. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches cater to enthusiasts seeking an engaging auditory experience, offering a bright and clacky sound that elevates the overall typing enjoyment—ideal for those looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard with superior acoustics. While both switches serve unique user needs, ranging from the silky smoothness of the Gold Red to the lively character of the Magnetic Jade, the decision ultimately depends on your specific requirements and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$8.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches share similar characteristics in terms of material composition for their top housing, as both feature polycarbonate. This shared component contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that users often seek in mechanical switches. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing makes both switches ideal for users who wish to engage in RGB lighting setups, enabling vibrant illumination to shine through the switch casing.

In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housings of both switches are constructed from nylon, a material known for imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder and more muted tonal quality. This two-tiered approach means that while both switches benefit from the clarity of polycarbonate on the top, the depth of sound generated upon key press is largely influenced by the nylon bottom housing. Thus, while the top and bottom housings are made from different materials, their individual sound characteristics combine to create a unique acoustic signature for each switch.

Ultimately, the interplay between the materials of the Gold Red and Magnetic Jade switches shows how they can produce a harmonious auditory experience. Both switches achieve clarity through their polycarbonate top housings while simultaneously benefiting from the warmth added by nylon in their bottom housings. As a result, despite the differences in material composition, users can expect a balanced sound profile characterized by both crispness and depth, highlighting how the specific arrangement of housing materials can achieve similar auditory outcomes.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch to the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Gold Red features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade excels with a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, but has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that while the Magnetic Jade requires less force to initiate a keystroke, it demands slightly more to fully bottom out compared to the Gold Red. Consequently, the TTC Gold Red may be preferable for those seeking a consistent, lighter typing experience, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade offers a gentler actuation for rapid keystrokes but a firmer feel when fully pressed down. Overall, the TTC Gold Red is the heavier switch in terms of actuation force, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade provides a lighter alternative for less fatigue during prolonged use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the differences are quite notable. The TTC Gold Red boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the traditional measurement preferred by many users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to those who favor quicker responsiveness, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster key actuation. Thus, if you prioritize a deeper press for a tactile experience, the TTC Gold Red is the better choice, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade is ideal for those who prefer a snappier, more immediate response during gameplay.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the TTC Gold Red linear switches is subtle yet satisfying, featuring a thocky, low-pitched tone that produces a deep, rich sound reminiscent of a soft knock. This neutrality in sound makes them versatile and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office, as it does not overpower the surrounding atmosphere. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches deliver a bright and clacky auditory experience, enriching the soundscape of a typing session, particularly when integrated into a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. While both switches provide distinct sound experiences, the Gold Red leans towards a more understated and mellow profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience, whereas the Magnetic Jade caters to those who want a more pronounced and lively acoustic feedback.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience described as mild, silky, and polished. This results in gentle resistance that balances ease of use with a luxurious typing sensation. Users can expect reduced friction and a refined response with these switches, making them perfect for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, information on the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches remains unknown. This lack of clarity makes it difficult to provide a direct comparison, but the prominent focus on sound suggests a different emphasis in user experience that may cater to gaming or rapid keypresses.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer two unique approaches to the mechanical keyboard experience. The Gold Red excels in delivering a smooth feel and a nuanced, low-key sound that appeals to both casual and serious typists seeking comfort and versatility. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade shines with its bright, clacky audio feedback designed for an engaging typing environment, though its tactile feel remains unspecified. Overall, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences; if a user values a smooth and understated experience, the Gold Red is the way to go, while those seeking lively sounds might gravitate toward the Magnetic Jade.

Conclusion

To summarize, choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you intend to use your keyboard. If you value a lightweight feel and a smooth typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Gold Red switch is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it easy on the fingers, while its slightly thocky, low-pitched sound ensures that you can type comfortably without creating too much noise, making it well-suited for shared workspaces or quieter settings. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more pronounced acoustic feedback and a bit more resistance during your keystrokes, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch, with its 55-gram actuation force, will cater to your needs. The bright and clacky sound profile, paired with the enhanced responsiveness of hall effect technology, makes it ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience, particularly in more dynamic environments or for gaming purposes. Ultimately, it’s about weighing the importance of sound, feel, and typing force in relation to how and where you plan to use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$8.00 per 10

Learn more