TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and Gateron Magnetic Jade present two distinct options tailored for different preferences. The Light Cloud V2 is cherished for its silent operation and refined typing feel, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a mild, muted, and neutral experience. Its lightweight nature adds to its appeal, allowing for effortless keystrokes that promote a delicate and nuanced interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches provide a vibrant auditory experience with their bright and clacky sound, perfect for those who prioritize superior acoustics and a satisfying tactile engagement. Designed for enhancing Wooting Hall Effect keyboards, these switches cater to users looking to elevate their typing experience to new heights. While both switches offer unique advantages for different typing styles, 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Magnetic Jade demonstrate a significant divergence in their top housing components, yet they exhibit similarity in their bottom housing. The Light Cloud V2 features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound waves effectively, which contributes to a sound profile that is rounder and less piercing. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This material is stiffer, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates more clearly during typing. Consequently, users seeking a rich, muted auditory experience may favor the Light Cloud V2, while those desiring a more pronounced, clear sound might prefer the Magnetic Jade.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Light Cloud V2 and the Magnetic Jade utilize nylon. This shared material ensures that both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly notable when bottoming out, as the nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a consistent auditory experience across both switches. This commonality highlights that despite the differences in the top housing materials, users will still achieve a similar effect in sound dampening and tactile feedback when they press down on either switch, reinforcing the comforting familiarity of typing on nylon-based designs.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches creates a unique typing experience governed by the influence of their individual compositions. The TTC Light Cloud V2 presents a softer, warmer auditory experience due to its nylon top housing while maintaining a rich sound profile from its nylon bottom. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade offers a sharper sound due to its polycarbonate top, balanced by the fullness of its nylon lower housing. Users will notice how the separation of housing materials contributes differing tonal qualities during typing, while maintaining an overall sound dampening effect, particularly in the bottom-out stage. This mixture of characteristics allows both switches to cater to varied preferences among users while still providing a semblance of acoustic consistency.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we can see distinct differences in their actuation forces while also noting some similarities in their bottom out forces. The Light Cloud V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it heavier than the Magnetic Jade's lighter 30-gram actuation force. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate toward the Light Cloud V2, while those who appreciate a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, would likely favor the Magnetic Jade. In terms of bottoming out, the Light Cloud V2 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, slightly heavier than the Magnetic Jade's 55 grams. This comparison indicates that while both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience, the Light Cloud V2's heavier actuation and bottom out forces may be better suited for users seeking a firmer feedback, whereas the Magnetic Jade offers a lighter interaction that's less taxing over long periods.
Travel distance
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This equivalence means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and overall response when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they can provide a comparable typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer consistent performance across different switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 TTC Light Cloud V2 switches provide a muted and neutral acoustic profile that results in a quieter typing experience. This makes them an excellent option for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as offices or shared spaces. The softer sound profile is great for users who prefer discretion in their typing, offering a more subdued ambiance. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches deliver a bright and clacky sound that is more pronounced and lively. This sound can add character to your typing experience and is particularly appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Light Cloud V2 favoring quieter operation and the Magnetic Jade emphasizing a more resonant auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches shine with their mild and feathery characteristics. They require minimal force to actuate, creating an effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. This makes them particularly suitable for users who type for long periods, as the gentle resistance contributes to a comfortable and responsive feel. On the other hand, specific attributes regarding the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are unknown. However, the Light Cloud V2’s lightweight and easy-to-press nature sets a high bar for comfort and usability, making it an attractive choice for many typists.
In conclusion, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switches and Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switches offer distinctly different experiences. The Light Cloud V2 excels in providing a quiet, comfortable, and effortless typing feel, while the Magnetic Jade switches cater to those who appreciate a brighter, more lively sound. Each switch targets specific user preferences: the Light Cloud V2 is ideal for those seeking a silent option with a refined feel, while the Magnetic Jade is perfect for users looking for an audibly engaging and dynamic typing experience. Depending on your typing needs, you’ll find both options capable of delivering satisfying results, albeit in distinctly different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches should ultimately hinge on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and usage context. If you prioritize a quiet, refined typing experience that minimizes noise, the Light Cloud V2 is an excellent fit. Its medium actuation force of 58 grams strikes a good balance, providing a smooth, feathery feel that's easy on the fingers, making it ideal for long typing sessions or office environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lively and pronounced typing experience, the Magnetic Jade switches deliver a bright, clacky sound that’s perfect for enhancing the acoustic feedback of your keyboard, especially if you enjoy a more tactile and engaging feel while gaming or typing. With a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams, these switches provide an energetic response that can be particularly enjoyable in dynamic scenarios. Ultimately, consider where and how you plan to use your keyboard, along with your sensitivity to sound and touch, to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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