Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can dramatically affect your typing experience, and two notable contenders in this realm are the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches. The Ink Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its light actuation force, making it ideal for users who favor a lighter typing style. With its smooth keystrokes and a satisfying crispy, clacky sound profile, the Ink Red delivers a neutral yet enjoyable tactile experience, perfect for both gaming and everyday typing. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade utilizes hall effect technology to provide a bright and clacky auditory feedback, elevating the typing experience with enhanced acoustics that are particularly advantageous for those looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. While the Ink Red offers a polished and silky touch for more effortless typing, the Magnetic Jade caters to enthusiasts who prioritize superior sound and feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, notable differences arise, particularly in the top housings that fundamentally shape the sound profiles of the switches. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing that is engineered to produce a thinner and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper, crisper sound profile due to the inherently stiffer nature of polycarbonate. While both materials aim for a clear sound, the Ink Red's construction delivers a somewhat softer yet still resonant auditory experience, whereas the Magnetic Jade aligns with a more pronounced and bright sound characteristic. Thus, users seeking a more subdued and clacky response may prefer the Ink Red, whereas those after a crisper clarity might gravitate toward the Magnetic Jade.

The differences continue with the bottom housings of each switch, where the Ink Red employs its proprietary INK blend, echoing the pointed sound profile observed in its top housing. This consistency promotes a cohesive auditory experience across the switch, maintaining that signature thin sound. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade's nylon bottom housing is a classic choice that absorbs more sound due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile which could be perceived as warmer when compared to the Ink Red's overall sharper output. The absorption qualities of nylon allow for a more rounded sound, contrasting with the clarity and brightness that polycarbonate offers. Therefore, users will notice varying characteristics in the sound and feel during typing based on the materials used in the bottom housing.

In light of these differences, the overall sound profile of each switch can be significantly influenced by the combination of top and bottom housings. While the Ink Red exhibits a cohesive sound profile due to both housings being from the same proprietary material, the Magnetic Jade's construction creates a dichotomy; the crisper top and deeper bottom combine to present a spectrum of auditory experiences. When pressing these switches, the characteristics of the bottom material become apparent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing primarily influences the retraction sound, especially when releasing the key. Users can expect distinct experiences from both switches based on the synergy between these materials; however, should they seek a more unified sound, the Ink Red provides a more homogeneous aural experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both the actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Red switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch is lighter, with an actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. This means that the Ink Red switch requires a stronger push to actuate and to bottom out compared to the Magnetic Jade. For those who prefer a lighter touch, which can be ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, the Magnetic Jade offers a more effortless experience. Conversely, users who enjoy a heavier, more substantial feel may prefer the Ink Red due to its greater resistance. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces highlight clear preferences for weight and typing experience between these two switches.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Red 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 difference means that the Ink Red provides a more pronounced tactile experience when pressed, making it suitable for users who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade, with its shorter distance, offers quicker actuation, appealing to gamers and those seeking faster response times. If responsiveness is a key criterion for you, the Magnetic Jade is the superior choice. However, if you value a more robust pressing experience, the Ink Red is the way to go. Ultimately, the trade-off between travel distances means that users can choose the switch that best fits their preferences: deeper travel for a more satisfying keystroke or shorter travel for rapid activation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Red and Magnetic Jade switches exhibit a clacky profile, making them enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. The Ink Red switch offers a crispy sound that has been categorized as chirpy, giving it a unique acoustic signature that stands out, particularly when used in various board setups. Its neutral quality ensures that it's suitable for a broad range of environments—be it home or office. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade is known for producing a bright and clacky sound, designed for those looking to enhance the acoustics of their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. While both switches share a clacky auditory signature, their specific tones may vary slightly based on the materials of the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switches shine with their silky, polished finish and mild actuation, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness reduces resistance, making each keystroke feel effortless and enjoyable. The qualities of the Ink Reds lend themselves well to long typing sessions, as their subtle characteristics cater to a wide range of typing styles. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches is currently undefined, leaving room for curiosity. Without specific descriptors on their tactile experience, one can only speculate how they compare against the silky smoothness of the Ink Reds.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Red and Magnetic Jade switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences suited for different preferences. The Ink Red's smooth, mild, and polished feel combined with a chirpy, clacky sound profile creates an inviting typing experience perfect for those who favor a lighter touch. Meanwhile, the bright and clacky sound of the Magnetic Jade adds excitement and may appeal to those who want to explore advanced keyboard setups. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the silky smoothness of the Ink Red or the possibly superior performance of the Magnetic Jade, which remains less defined in feel characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use cases. If you favor a smooth and silky typing experience along with a neutral yet slightly chirpy sound profile, the Ink Red is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a medium actuation force of 60 grams that caters well to varied typing styles, from casual to more deliberate keystrokes. Their polished feel makes them an appealing option for both work and home environments, accommodating users looking for versatility in their mechanical keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you seek an enhanced acoustic profile and a moderately lighter actuation force of 55 grams that can elevate your typing to a more premium level, then the Magnetic Jade is the way to go. These switches shine in scenarios where sound quality matters and can provide that satisfying clack while also being ideal for upgrading hall effect keyboards. Thus, consider your preferences for sound, typing feel, and how you plan to use your keyboard when making your decision between these two appealing switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$8.00 per 10

Learn more