KTT Kang White vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options to consider are the KTT Kang White and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, each catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound. The KTT Kang White stands out with its poppy linear profile, delivering a dazzling typing experience characterized by its smoothness, thanks to the self-lubricating material used in its construction. This switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter environment while maintaining a tactile yet linear feel. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches introduce a hall effect design that produces a bright and clacky sound, ideal for users looking to enhance their acoustic experience on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. These switches are often praised for providing a superior typing experience, emphasizing the importance of sound in typing satisfaction. Each switch offers unique benefits depending on what you're looking for in your typing experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Kang White and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a shared characteristic of producing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This similarity in material contributes to a clear and resonant sonic experience, as both switches take advantage of polycarbonate's stiffer properties to enhance acoustics. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for enthusiasts wanting to showcase RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a similar visual aesthetic when RGB lighting is applied, creating a vibrant and dynamic typing environment.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches are made from nylon, which is known for its sound-absorbing qualities. This softer material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate top. While both switches benefit from the comforting and muted sound character provided by nylon, the overall sound profile is a combination of both top and bottom housing contributions. Therefore, when either switch is pressed, the experience is shaped by the interaction of the two different materials, allowing for a unique auditory feedback during typing.
When evaluating the overall sound and feel of the KTT Kang White and Gateron Magnetic Jade, it becomes clear that the interplay of their respective materials—polycarbonate on the top and nylon on the bottom—is crucial. The crisper sounds from the polycarbonate will be more pronounced during the release of a key, while the deeper tones from the nylon come to the forefront during bottoming out. This division of characteristics ensures that, despite their identical housing materials in terms of top and bottom, users can still enjoy a nuanced typing experience that encapsulates both sharpness and fullness. Therefore, whether one chooses the Kang White or the Magnetic Jade, the switch will reflect a harmonious blend of sound profiles that caters to diverse typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kang White features an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience, while the Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to press the keys, ideal for extended typing sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Kang White offers a slightly heavier feel at 58 grams compared to the Magnetic Jade's 55 grams, though both can be considered medium forces. Therefore, while both switches provide relatively similar bottom out experiences, the Kang White is generally heavier for both actuation and bottoming out, making the Magnetic Jade the lighter option. Users who enjoy a more tactile push may prefer the Kang White, whereas those who favor a softer touch for longer durations might opt for the Magnetic Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the Kang White features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Magnetic Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Kang White provides a deeper keystroke, which can be more satisfying for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade, with its shorter travel distance, offers a quicker response time that can be particularly appealing to gamers seeking swift actions. Ultimately, those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key presses might gravitate towards the KTT Kang White, whereas users who favor a more immediate response may prefer the Gateron Magnetic Jade for its speed advantage.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99, whereas the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00.
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 KTT Kang White linear switch delivers a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that tends to be more mellow and less intrusive, making it a suitable choice for both home and work environments. Its neutral profile ensures that regardless of your typing style, the sound remains consistent and pleasing without overwhelming distractions. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch produces a bright and clacky sound, which is more pronounced and can provide an exciting auditory feedback for those who enjoy a louder typing experience. This distinct sound character lends itself well to those looking for an engaging acoustic experience, but it can also be shaped by the specific keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the description of the KTT Kang White linear switch suggests an unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material, which would likely offer a satisfying, frictionless typing experience that linear switch enthusiasts appreciate. Unfortunately, there’s no specific information available regarding the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, leaving this quality somewhat unknown. This lack of direct comparison makes it difficult to ascertain how the overall typing experience might differ between the two.
To conclude, both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the KTT Kang White providing a softer sound profile suited for quieter settings and the Gateron Magnetic Jade delivering a more pronounced and engaging auditory feedback. The KTT switch also shines in terms of smoothness due to its design, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience. While the feel of the Magnetic Jade remains uncertain, each switch offers its charms and considerations, ensuring that choosing between them will ultimately depend on your specific audio and tactile preferences in a keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a smooth and satisfying linear experience with a medium bottom-out force, the Kang White is an excellent choice. Its self-lubricating material ensures a consistently smooth feel, while its low-pitched, neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various environments, whether at work or home. On the other hand, if you desire a brighter and more clacky sound with a slightly lighter actuation force, the Magnetic Jade switch may be the better option for you. Its unique acoustics make it particularly well-suited for those upgrading a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, offering a superior typing experience that emphasizes tactile feedback and sound. Ultimately, consider what sound profile and typing feel resonate with you most; this will guide your decision towards the switch that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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