Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Durock Mamba present two distinct yet appealing options for gamers and typists alike. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches stand out for their bright, clacky sound and enhanced acoustics, making them an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards and seeking a superior typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Mamba switches pay homage to the legendary Kobe Bryant, delivering a smooth, gliding sensation with a rich and creamy auditory profile that typists often find satisfying. While both switches cater to different preferences—one offering an engaging auditory experience and the other emphasizing a silky typing feel—each has its unique charm. 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
30g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Durock Mamba present a fascinating contrast that influences their overall acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharp, high-pitched sound. Its translucency makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, as the light can easily penetrate the material, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the keyboard. In comparison, the Mamba utilizes a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, producing a sound profile that is bright yet less piercing than that of the polycarbonate. While both materials allow for a decent light diffusion, they ultimately lead to differing auditory experiences when typing.
When examining the bottom housing, the Magnetic Jade uses nylon, which is widely recognized for yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softer material absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its bottom housing, delivering a uniquely pleasing murmur that falls more on the muted side. Although the qualities of each switch’s bottom housing will significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel during keystrokes, the Mamba's softer POM allows for a more subdued effect relative to the fuller output provided by the Jade’s nylon.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Durock Mamba utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they each facilitate unique sound profiles that can cater to a variety of user preferences. The Magnetic Jade's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a sharp and deep auditory experience that can stand out in a crowded space, while the Mamba’s blend of nylon and POM creates a muted yet bright typing experience. In scenarios where both housing types are appropriately paired, users will find that even with differing materials, both switches can offer satisfying results, albeit with distinct sonic personalities due to the unique attributes of their respective housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Magnetic Jade offers a relatively light actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier for users to trigger keystrokes, especially during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Mamba lacks a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which indicates a firmer feel when the key is fully pressed. This bottom out force is slightly heavier than that of the Magnetic Jade, which bottoms out at 55 grams. Consequently, the Gateron Magnetic Jade can be considered the lighter option overall, appealing to those who favor a lighter touch for extended use. The Durock Mamba, while heavier in the bottom out force, may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer greater resistance. Hence, users must consider their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that when pressed, both switches provide the same tactile experience in terms of key travel from the top to bottom. This equal travel distance will lead to similar results in terms of actuation feel and responsiveness, making them comparable options for users seeking a consistent keypress experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, neither is shorter or longer; instead, they offer equivalent performance in this aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches present a bright and clacky auditory profile, appealing to those who appreciate an engaging acoustic experience. This characteristic makes them particularly suitable for users seeking to enhance the sound quality of their keyboard. In contrast, the Durock Mamba switches provide a rich and creamy sound, described as thocky, delivering a deep and satisfying “thud” on each key press. The combination of a neutral sound with its thocky nature makes the Mamba versatile, suitable for both casual typing environments and more focused work settings.
In terms of feel, the Magnetic Jade switches are heralded for their superior typing experience, yet the specific characteristics that define their tactile feedback are not detailed. On the other hand, the Mamba switches offer a mild and polished feel. The mild characteristics contribute to a gentle typing experience, making it user-friendly for a wide range of typists, while the polished finish allows for smooth key travel and reduced friction. This combination of features results in a refined and enjoyable typing experience, particularly for those who value smoothness in their key presses.
Considering all available information, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Durock Mamba switches cater to different preferences and experiences in both sound and feel. The Jade switches are perfect for those who prioritize a clacky auditory experience paired with an undisclosed tactile sensation, while the Mamba switches provide a thocky sound along with a mild and polished feel. If your preferences lead you to prioritize the auditory experience over specificity in feel, you might find satisfaction with either switch type, as they both aim to enhance the typing experience in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you are seeking a switch that offers a lively, clacky sound and a medium-light actuation force, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy enhancing your keyboard's acoustics and typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing, making it a great fit for creative environments or gaming setups where sound matters. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, polished typing experience with a slightly firmer actuation force, the Durock Mamba may be the better option for you. Its neutral yet rich sound profile and gentle feel make it suitable for various scenarios, whether you’re typing in a quiet office or enjoying casual gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you value more in your keyboard experience: vibrant sound and tactile feedback with the Magnetic Jade, or a refined and smooth typing experience with the Durock Mamba.
Mentioned in this article
