TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different designs to suit their unique typing preferences. Two notable contenders in this arena are the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Magnetic Jade. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness, featuring a shorter travel distance that results in a decisive and satisfying bottom-out on each keystroke. Its smooth actuation conveys a sense of fluidity, while the resonant sound signature adds a pleasing auditory element, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who demand speed and precision. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are characterized by their bright, clacky sound, appealing to those who prioritize an engaging and acoustically rich typing experience. These hall effect switches elevate your experience with their unique technology, making them especially popular among users looking for enhanced performance on Wooting keyboards. While both switches offer distinct advantages depending on your typing style and needs, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal 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
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Magnetic Jade both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly contributes to their sound profiles. The polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing, creating a clear and resonant auditory feedback that many users find pleasing. Furthermore, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them excellent choices for setups that include RGB lighting. This similarity indicates that, regardless of other differences, users can expect a comparable high-frequency sound profile when using either switch.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ, with both switches employing nylon. This choice impacts the auditory and tactile experience noticeably. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when the switch is bottomed out. Consequently, while the top housings of both switches enhance clarity and resonance upon release, the nylon bottom housings ensure that the overall sound is rounder and more enveloping during keystrokes. This combination creates unique interactions between the materials, affecting the sound signature and feel of the switches.
When considering the switches holistically, it becomes evident that even though the top housings of both the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Magnetic Jade share the same material properties of polycarbonate, they harbor distinct auditory qualities due to the differences in their bottom housings. The crisper sound produced during key releases is complemented by the fuller and more muted sound of the keys bottoming out, leading to an engaging typing experience unique to each switch. Thus, while users can anticipate similar performances in terms of higher pitch and clarity from both switches, the rounded warmth of the nylon bottoms provides key differentiation in the overall auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom-out forces that cater to different user preferences. The TTC Gold Silver switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a firmer feel for the user, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions. However, the bottom-out force for the Gold Silver is unknown, whereas the Magnetic Jade has a bottom-out force of 55 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance at the end of the key press. With its lighter actuation force, the Gateron switch may appeal to those who favor less fatigue over extended periods of use, while the heavier actuation force of the TTC Gold Silver might attract users looking for a more pronounced tactile experience. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch would favor the Magnetic Jade, while those preferring a heavier feel might opt for the TTC Gold Silver, although the unknown bottom-out force of the Gold Silver leaves some uncertainty in its overall feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch both exhibit the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys. This equality in travel distance indicates that both switches will offer comparable responsiveness and key feel, making them suitable choices for individuals seeking a consistent typing experience. Since their travel distances are identical, users will likely achieve similar results in terms of actuation and overall performance when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched auditory profile that delivers a deep and satisfying sound with each keystroke. This switch produces a mellow tone, resonating like a soft thud when the key is pressed and released, which can create an immersive typing experience. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for a variety of environments, whether you’re typing at home or in a shared workspace. Conversely, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are renowned for their bright and pronounced clacky sound, which is ideal for those looking to elevate their auditory feedback while typing. This distinct acoustic signature is likely to appeal to enthusiasts prioritizing sound quality in their keyboard experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its polished and silky smooth typing experience. This means that it offers a refined, low-friction key travel, allowing for a seamless transition from key press to bottom-out, which enhances the overall comfort during extended typing sessions. The mild and subtle resistance contributes to an approachable touch, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. In contrast, the specific feel attributes of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch remain unknown, potentially leaving its tactile experience less defined in comparison to the distinctly described qualities of the Gold Silver.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch delivers a rich auditory experience complemented by a smooth and polished feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade stands out with its clear and engaging sound, albeit with limited information regarding its tactile feedback. Users seeking a low-pitched, refined typing experience may gravitate towards the Gold Silver, while those desiring pronounced acoustics might prefer the Magnetic Jade. Ultimately, both switches bring unique characteristics to the table, ensuring that newcomers can experience a desirable typing feel and sound tailored to their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches should be guided by your typing style, sound preference, and usage environment. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent option. Its polished, silky feel enhances both tactile and auditory satisfaction, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers who thrive on quick actions and decisive feedback. The thocky sound profile is equally appealing if you prefer a deeper, more resonant auditory experience that remains suitable for various environments, including shared spaces. On the other hand, if your focus lies in achieving a bright, clacky sound signature while enjoying a more robust actuation force, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is your go-to. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it strikes a balance for those who appreciate a tactile feel without the heaviness, making it perfect for all-day typing or casual gaming. Additionally, the enhanced acoustics of the Magnetic Jade will likely elevate your overall typing experience, especially if you are using it in conjunction with a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Therefore, assessing your personal preferences in terms of actuation, sound, and feel will lead you to the switch that best suits your mechanical keyboard journey.
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