TTC Iron vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Iron and Gateron Magnetic Jade offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The TTC Iron is a linear switch that stands out for its pronounced clacky sound signature, ensuring an engaging auditory experience alongside its smooth, light actuation that facilitates swift typing without causing fatigue. This makes it an appealing choice for both passionate hobbyists and everyday users who prioritize comfort and precision in their typing workflows. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, designed to elevate the typing experience on compatible keyboards like the Wooting. While both switches provide satisfying acoustics and unique tactile feedback, the TTC Iron excels with its buttery smooth travel, while the Magnetic Jade is tailored for those who seek superior sound quality and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Iron and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, notable differences in sound profiles and aesthetic features emerge due to their distinct top housing materials. The Iron features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper and more muted sound profile. This leads to a unique auditory experience, making it ideal for users seeking a quieter and more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material inherently affects how each switch interacts with sound, making them appealing to different users based on their preferences for auditory feedback during typing.
On the bottom housing side, both switches employ distinct materials that further broaden their acoustic characteristics. The Iron employs POM, consistent with its top housing, contributing to a cohesive sound that is deeper and more muted. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade uses nylon for its bottom housing, a material recognized for its softer nature, which absorbs sound and subsequently creates a duller, rounder audio profile. This divergence in the bottom housing materials means that users can expect different overall sound qualities when bottoming out on these switches. The choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in defining not just the sound but also the tactile feedback experienced by the typist.
Overall, while both switches leverage different materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact each housing has on the overall sound and feel of the switch is significant. For the TTC Iron, the harmonious pairing of POM in both the top and bottom results in a consistent, muted sound profile. In contrast, Gateron Magnetic Jade achieves a more varied acoustic experience by blending the sharper polycarbonate top with a softer nylon bottom, creating an interesting dynamic in sound perception. Ultimately, these distinctions in material not only define the switches' individual sound characteristics but also cater to different user preferences in terms of auditory and tactile experiences, making each switch unique despite some of the similar properties of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Iron features a relatively heavier actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more effortless keypress, while its bottom out force is slightly higher at 55 grams. Despite being termed medium-light, the Jade switch's overall feel may still provide enough resistance to satisfy users desiring a tactile experience. Overall, the TTC Iron is the heavier option, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade is lighter, providing distinct choices based on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, it becomes evident that they cater to different preferences. The TTC Iron features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly longer than the Gateron Magnetic Jade, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. Gamers and those who prefer a quicker response might gravitate toward the Magnetic Jade's shorter travel distance for its snappier feel, while users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke may favor the Iron's longer travel distance for its deeper engagement. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences—those seeking responsiveness may opt for the Gateron switch, while those valuing a hearty depth in their keystrokes might lean toward the TTC Iron.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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, both the TTC Iron and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer a distinctly clacky signature, albeit with some unique characteristics. The TTC Iron is noted for its pronounced clacky sound profile, delivering a crisp and bright auditory feedback that's undeniably satisfying with each keystroke. This sound can be described as sharp and percussive, bringing a lively atmosphere to the typing experience. Meanwhile, the Magnetic Jade also boasts a bright and clacky sound, positioning it as an excellent choice for users seeking high acoustic performance on their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. While both switches share similar sound aesthetics, keep in mind that the overall acoustic experience can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which may further enhance or alter the sound profile of either switch.
In terms of feel, the TTC Iron stands out for its exceptionally light actuation force, making it incredibly easy to press with minimal resistance. This gentle characteristic allows for fatigue-free and comfortable typing sessions, a feature that proves advantageous for both long work hours and casual use. The mild typing experience provided by the Iron ensures that its tactile qualities remain approachable for various users without being overwhelming. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches remains unknown. However, given the Iron's reputation for offering a soft and forgiving tactile interaction, one might expect the Magnetic Jade to provide a somewhat distinctive yet smooth typing experience as well, though this cannot be confirmed without specific descriptors.
In conclusion, both the TTC Iron and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches share a love for clacky sound, making them appealing choices for those who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience. The Iron's lightweight feel further enhances its appeal, catering well to users seeking comfort and ease during long typing sessions. While the Gateron Magnetic Jade's specifics remain less clear, it likely aims at a similar market segment, focused on providing an enjoyable typing experience as well. Ultimately, both switches promise satisfaction in their own right, with the Iron offering a well-rounded, user-friendly option, while the Magnetic Jade stands as an intriguing alternative for specialized setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, your personal preferences and typing needs will play a crucial role. If you prioritize a light actuation force and enjoy a pronounced clacky sound that adds a satisfying auditory element to your typing experience, the TTC Iron would be your ideal choice. Its effortless activation is perfect for long typing sessions, making it a viable option for daily users and enthusiasts alike who seek both comfort and pleasure in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that offers a medium-light actuation force combined with superior acoustic performance, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is a standout option, especially if you’re using or considering a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. The excellent sound quality, accompanied by a solid feel, makes it ideal for those who want a robust typing experience with improved acoustics. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the typing experience you most desire—whether it's the effortless speed of the Iron or the acoustic richness of the Magnetic Jade.
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