Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two compelling options to consider are the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gateron Magnetic Jade. The Jupiter Red, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes and medium-heavy actuation, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience with a polished and silky feel. Its unique design, featuring high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, caters to those who favor a neutral touch without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade introduces a novel hall effect technology, delivering bright and clacky sounds that stand out and enhance the overall acoustic experience of your typing. This switch is particularly appealing for enthusiasts looking to elevate their setup, especially if they're upgrading their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. While both switches offer distinct advantages—smoothness and subtlety with the Jupiter Red versus an engaging auditory feedback with the Magnetic Jade—your choice ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you desire. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$2.80 per 10

$8.00 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Gateron Magnetic Jade utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The choice of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making both switches resonate well during typing. This shared material means that users of both switches will experience a similar auditory feedback when pressing keys, especially under RGB lighting conditions. The translucency of polycarbonate ensures bright illumination, enhancing the visual experience for users who favor aesthetically pleasing keyboard setups.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches reveal a different characterization, as both are constructed from nylon. Nylon serves as a classic choice in switch construction due to its softer texture, which absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This toggle in materials allows users to appreciate the nuanced differences in auditory feedback, particularly during the bottoming out of the key press, where the nylon bottom housing's impact is most pronounced. As a result, while the top sections project clearer sounds, the bottom sections create rounder and more muted feedback.

The combination of these materials highlights the unique interplay between sound characteristics in each switch. With the Jupiter Red and Magnetic Jade sharing polycarbonate in the top and nylon in the bottom, users can anticipate a well-rounded typing experience—crisp auditory notes upon pressing keys and deeper, more resonant sounds when keys are released. This duality in housing materials enhances the overall user experience, making both switches appealing to different preferences, whether one prefers a bright sound or favors a fuller acoustic.

Weight

In comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, a notable distinction exists in their actuation forces. The Jupiter Red requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Magnetic Jade provides a lighter feel at just 30 grams. This difference means the Magnetic Jade is better suited for users who prefer a lighter, more comfortable typing experience, especially useful for extended work or gaming sessions. However, both switches have comparable bottom out forces, with the Jupiter Red at 60 grams and the Magnetic Jade at 55 grams, indicating that they both provide a fairly substantial feedback upon fully pressing the key. While the Jupiter Red may cater to users looking for a more robust typing sensation with its heavier actuation force, the Magnetic Jade’s lower force offers a quicker response for fast typists. Ultimately, if someone prefers a lighter, quicker feel with a slight reduction in bottoming out pressure, the Magnetic Jade is the clear choice, while the Jupiter Red appeals to those who enjoy a more noticeable heft in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch in terms of travel distance, the differences are quite pronounced. The Jupiter Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and provides a sense of hearty depth preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, aligning with the modern trend towards quicker response times favored by gamers and those seeking a more responsive feel. This shorter travel may feel more abrupt, which might not appeal to everyone. Thus, if responsiveness is a priority, the Magnetic Jade would be the preferable choice, while the Jupiter Red suits those who appreciate a deeper press. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch with a more traditional and deeper feel, the Jupiter Red is the way to go, while the Magnetic Jade offers a snappier action with its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch delivers a neutral auditory experience, which means it produces a moderate sound profile that's suitable for various environments. This quality makes it a versatile choice for both beginners and advanced users, allowing for relatively quiet typing that won't disturb others, whether at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound, perfectly suited for enthusiasts looking for a more pronounced acoustic feedback. This distinction means that if sound is a critical factor for you, the Magnetic Jade offers a more lively and engaging auditory experience compared to the understated Jupiter Red, though the overall sound will still rely on factors like your keyboard and keycap choice.

When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Red switches provide an exceptional typing experience thanks to their polished, creamy, and silky characteristics. The smooth and refined finish, combined with factory lubrication, greatly minimizes friction, resulting in a buttery and effortless typing sensation. This quality fosters a gentle and mild experience, making the Jupiter Reds accessible to a wide array of users who appreciate smooth key travel without aggressive feedback. The feel of the Magnetic Jade switches, while not explicitly detailed, is implied to contribute to a superior typing experience, potentially aligning more with tactile or pronounced sensations typically favored in hall effect switches, but further specifics would be required for a direct comparison.

In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches are ideal for users who prioritize a smooth, neutral sound with a polished feel, making them versatile enough for different settings and typing styles. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade excels in offering a bright sound and a potentially unique feel energy, catering to those looking for a more dynamic typing experience. While both switches appeal to different preferences, the Jupiter Reds ensure a seamless typing experience, and the Magnetic Jades provide an engaged soundscape. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you value a smooth typing experience or an engaging acoustic feedback.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, your choice should align with your specific typing preferences and gaming needs. If you value a smooth, polished typing experience with a balanced actuation force of 60 grams, the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice. It's perfect for both casual and professional settings, as its neutral sound profile and creamy feel make it suitable for prolonged typing without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 55 grams and want to enhance sound acoustics in your setup, the Magnetic Jade is ideal for you. Its bright, clacky sound can elevate the fun of gaming or provide satisfying feedback while typing, particularly on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard where these switches truly shine. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you favor a smooth and refined experience or a lively, engaging atmosphere with pronounced auditory feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$8.00 per 10

Learn more