Keygeek Keylin vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Magnetic Jade stand out for their unique features and typing experiences. The Keylin, classified as a linear switch, is lauded for its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, which together create a premium typing experience that many users find irresistible. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quiet, uninterrupted keystroke, perfect for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade employs a hall effect mechanism, resulting in a bright, clacky sound that elevates the auditory feedback of your keystrokes. This switch is particularly favored by users seeking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, providing an impressive combination of sound and tactile response. While both switches cater to different preferences—smoothness versus acoustics—they are united in their pursuit of enhancing the typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, the distinctions between the top housings are quite significant. The Keylin's top housing is crafted from nylon, a material known for its softer and more sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that produces a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The clarity provided by polycarbonate serves to enhance the overall resonance of the switch, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a noteworthy similarity between the two switches. Both the Keylin and the Magnetic Jade utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material traits lead to a richer, deeper sound profile that is characteristic of nylon's softer plastic composition. The result is a consistent typing experience with both switches that prioritizes sound absorption and a rounder bottom-out feel. Therefore, while the top housings create distinct sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing unifies the auditory experience, making both switches resonate similarly when it comes to the keypress feel and sound produced during bottoming out.
In summary, the differences in the top housing materials inevitably shape the overall typing experience when using these switches. In the case of the Keygeek Keylin, the nylon top contributes to a warmer, muted sound, while the Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top provides a brighter and more resonant typing experience. However, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing serves as a balancing factor, ensuring that users across both switches will encounter a fuller sound when bottoming out. Overall, this blending of materials illustrates how the interplay of different plastics can create a nuanced, layered auditory experience in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct typing experiences. The Keylin switch features a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, paired with a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This design could cater to typists who enjoy a firmer key feel during bottoming out. Overall, the Keylin is the lighter switch, while the Magnetic Jade offers a heavier bottom out, potentially appealing to those who appreciate a more tangible typing feedback. Therefore, if you're looking for effortless keystrokes during extended typing sessions, the Keylin may be suitable, while the Magnetic Jade could be favored for a more robust feel with its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, a slight difference is evident. The Keylin offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Magnetic Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.1 mm difference might seem minimal, but it can influence the tactile experience for users depending on their preferences. Gamers often lean toward the shorter travel distance of the Magnetic Jade for swifter response times, while those seeking a more substantial feel might favor the Keylin. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Magnetic Jade would be the better choice, whereas the Keylin caters to those who prefer a deeper keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is best characterized by its rich acoustics, providing a balanced auditory experience that many find satisfying. This switch excels in delivering a more subdued and refined sound profile compared to the Gateron Magnetic Jade, which is noted for its bright and clacky auditory signature. The Magnetic Jade's sound quality tends to elicit a more pronounced feedback, making it appealing to those who enjoy a lively typing experience. However, it's important to remember that sound perception can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, ensuring a fluid keystroke that feels consistent from top to bottom. This quality makes it a great choice for typists seeking a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch offers a unique tactile experience due to its hall effect design, which provides a more pronounced feedback during keystrokes. This tactile nuance can create a more engaging typing sensation for users who appreciate a differentiated response from their switches.
Overall, both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel, offering distinct qualities that make them stand out in the realm of mechanical keyboards. While the Keylin provides a smooth and acoustically rich experience, the Magnetic Jade's bright acoustics and tactile feedback can be particularly appealing to users who seek a dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, with both delivering satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you favor a lighter actuation force, smoothness, and a premium feel, the Keylin switches will likely be your best bet. Their rich acoustics enhance the overall typing experience, making them suitable for both gaming and long typing sessions without excessive fatigue. Conversely, if you appreciate a slightly heavier touch with more tactile feedback and enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile, the Magnetic Jade switches are a fantastic option. These are particularly well-suited for those who want to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards, offering a robust typing experience coupled with superior acoustics. In the end, consider your preferred typing style, the level of sound you enjoy, and how each switch feels under your fingers to make the best choice for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
