Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Lime and Gateron Magnetic Jade offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Outemu Lime switch is celebrated for its lightweight design and subtle tactility, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a smooth, responsive feel with minimal resistance. Its muted characteristics deliver a sound-dampened experience, ideal for quieter environments or those who want a soft touch without compromising feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch offers a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances acoustic feedback, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate a more audible and responsive experience. This hall effect switch stands out for its superior performance, especially suited for gamers and enthusiasts seeking a dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, each switch caters to specific user preferences—whether you prioritize a gentle and silenced feedback like the Lime or a more pronounced auditory response like the Magnetic Jade. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, the key distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Outemu Lime features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This soft material is excellent for sound absorption, creating a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material’s clarity and resonant properties make it a popular choice for those who value a brighter sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting, where the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings since both the Outemu Lime and the Gateron Magnetic Jade utilize nylon for their bottom components. As nylon is a traditionally favored switch housing material, it elicits that characteristic deeper sound profile, contributing to a more muted and fuller auditory experience. This similarity in bottom housing means that the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will likely share similarities, reinforcing the deeper acoustics expected from the nylon material. Consequently, users can expect a cohesive sound quality upon bottoming out, regardless of the contrasting impressions provided by the various top housing materials.
Furthermore, the impact of housing materials on user experience is nuanced, as the top and bottom housings each play crucial roles. The characteristics of the bottom housing will assert a stronger influence on the overall bottom-out sound and tactile feel during key presses, while the top housing primarily affects the sound produced during key release. Therefore, while players may experience the deeper tones of the nylon bottom housing in both switches when pressing down, the audible difference will notably arise when letting go, where the Lime's nylon elicits a softer sound and the Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate delivers a more pronounced and crisp resonance. This dynamic suggests that even with one shared material, both switches can provide distinct auditory experiences tailored to their unique top housing constructions.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Lime has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade features a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, creating a firmer feel when bottoming out. This difference means that while both switches are relatively light in actuation, the Lime offers a more forgiving experience in bottoming out, whereas the Jade provides a more substantial feedback when pressed fully. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience will gravitate towards the Outemu Lime, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel may appreciate the heavier bottom out of the Gateron Magnetic Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the Lime features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, whereas the Magnetic Jade has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minor, but it can affect the overall typing experience. For gamers seeking rapid responsiveness, the Lime’s shorter travel distance allows for faster key registration, making it an appealing choice. Alternatively, those who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keystrokes might prefer the Magnetic Jade, as its longer 3.5 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more deliberate actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches should be informed by individual preferences for responsiveness or typing depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40, 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Lime tactile switch presents a neutral and muted profile, creating a typing experience that balances between being noticeable but not intrusive. This means that while users can hear their key presses, the sound is softer and considerably less distracting compared to more exuberant switches, making it an excellent choice for environments where quiet is preferred. Conversely, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound, ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback from their typing. This sound profile lends itself to a more expressive typing experience, favoring users who enjoy a pronounced auditory response with each keystroke. Ultimately, the Lime serves well for quieter occasions, while the Jade emphasizes a more vibrant and engaging auditory feedback.
When focusing on feel, the Outemu Lime excels with its mild and feathery characteristics, offering a gentle yet tactile experience. The low actuation force and subtle resistance allow users to type comfortably for extended periods, greatly alleviating finger fatigue. This makes the Lime particularly appealing for those who prioritize ease of use and comfort in long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade's feel is not explicitly defined here, but it is well-regarded for providing a superior typing experience overall, likely characterized by a unique smoothness typical to hall effect switches. This suggests the Jade may also offer a refined feel, though specific descriptors aren’t provided.
Considering the available information, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch cater to distinct preferences and use cases. The Lime's neutral and muted sound along with its mild and feathery feel makes it an excellent choice for users looking for a subtle yet comfortable experience. Meanwhile, the Magnetic Jade offers a bright and clacky sound that would appeal to those wanting a lively auditory experience, potentially combined with a smooth typing feel. Ultimately, selecting between these switches would depend on whether one prioritizes sound and auditory feedback or seeks a muted, comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you desire a lightweight and gentle typing experience, the Lime is perfect for you. With a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, these muted and polished switches minimize sound and reduce finger fatigue, making them ideal for long typing sessions at work, school, or during gaming—especially in shared environments where noise can be an issue. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more pronounced auditory experience and enjoy a clackier typing feel, the Magnetic Jade is your go-to. With a slightly heavier 55 grams actuation force and a bright sound profile, these switches excel in providing a dynamic acoustics and superior typing experience, making them a great fit for those looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. Therefore, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and whether you’ll be typing in quiet or social settings when deciding between these two engaging switch options.
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