Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Master present distinct yet appealing options for different types of typists. The Magnetic Jade's hallmark is its bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive auditory experience while typing or gaming. This hall effect switch is celebrated for enhancing the overall typing experience and acoustics, especially when paired with compatible keyboards like the Wooting Hall Effect. On the other hand, the Dareu Master switch delivers a polished and mild linear feel, offering users a smooth, noise-dampened experience with its medium actuation weight. While the Master switch may not provide the same level of sound excitement, its seamless operation is favored by those who prioritize a quieter yet tactile 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
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Dareu Master switches feature distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound due to its relatively stiff nature. This material can enhance the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the switch is actuated. In contrast, the Dareu Master opts for a POM top housing, which is associated with a deeper and more muted sound profile. While polycarbonate allows for a bright, vibrant sound—beneficial for RGB lighting visibility—POM tends to produce a more subdued auditory experience. Thus, while both switches achieve unique sound signatures, they diverge in the tonal quality and the overall auditory characteristics they provide.
When it comes to the bottom housing, Gateron's Magnetic Jade employs nylon, a classic choice that offers a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer characteristics. This allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a very rounded auditory experience upon bottoming out. The Dareu Master, on the other hand, also features POM as its bottom housing material. Similar to its impact on the top housing, the use of POM contributes to a sound that is deep and muted, giving the Master switch a distinct but consistent character throughout. The combination of these materials affects each switch's bottom-out feel and sound, showcasing how the bottom housing plays a crucial role in shaping the tactile feedback and auditory signature during keystrokes.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Dareu Master switches use different materials for their top housings, the POM used in both switches for the bottom housing results in a shared quality that contributes to a deeper, more muted sound experience. Consequently, users may find that despite the variations between the top housings—polycarbonate creating sharper sounds and POM leaning toward a deeper tonal quality—the overall auditory experience from the bottom housings remains similar in its deeper, muted characteristics. Thus, even with the differences in sound profiles from the top housings, the balance created by the bottom housings offers a degree of auditory consistency across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation forces that cater to distinct preferences for typing experience. The Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it suitable for those who enjoy a less strenuous typing action, ideal for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Master requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. While the bottom out force for the Magnetic Jade is 55 grams, the bottom out force for the Master switch is not specified. This difference means that the Gateron switch delivers a definitive tactile response when bottoming out, while the absence of a specified bottom out force for the Master switch leaves some uncertainty in that area. Overall, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option, providing a softer touch, while the Dareu Master is heavier, catering to those who appreciate a more pronounced key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, the Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Master has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the longer option by 0.1 mm, providing a deeper feel with each keystroke compared to the more abrupt sensation of the Master switch. For those who favor a deeper travel for a more tactile experience, the Gateron option might be more appealing. On the other hand, gamers seeking quicker response times might prefer the slightly shorter travel of the Dareu Master. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Magnetic Jade offering a more traditional feel and the Master delivering a more rapid engagement.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound profile, which is ideal for users looking to enhance their auditory experience while typing. This switch's characteristic sound contributes to an engaging typing atmosphere, particularly suitable for those who appreciate responsive acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Master linear switch also offers a clacky sound signature that is crisp, bright, and percussive, making it a suitable alternative for users who enjoy similar auditory cues. While both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, the exact sound may be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap choice, leading to a variable but enjoyable listening experience regardless of the chosen switch.
In terms of feel, the Magnetic Jade switch does not have a specified description, leaving its tactile qualities somewhat unknown. However, the Dareu Master switch excels in this category with its mild and polished characteristics. The Master provides a gentle and approachable typing experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a more subtle key response. Its polished feel, resulting from high-quality materials and potentially factory lubing, reduces friction and allows for smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Thus, while the Magnetic Jade's feel is uncertain, the Dareu Master definitively excels with its smooth operation and comfortable touch.
In summary, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Dareu Master switches offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Magnetic Jade is celebrated for its bright, engaging audio, whereas the Dareu Master delivers a similar clacky sound with an emphasis on a smooth and refined feel. Ultimately, if one is considering an upgrade in sound or feel while using a mechanical keyboard, both options present reliable choices for enhancing their typing experience. Ultimately, the decision may come down to personal preference in typing sensation and sound, making it essential to test each switch if possible.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, your choice should hinge on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and intended use. If you are seeking a vibrant and engaging typing experience with a noticeable “clacky” acoustics, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch would be an excellent option; its medium-light actuation force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, offering a certain level of feedback that can enhance fun and engagement. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more refined experience with a mild sound profile, the Dareu Master switch could be your go-to. Its all-POM construction provides a polished feel that translates to seamless key travel, making it ideal for a quiet workspace or if you are new to mechanical switches and want to ease into them. Ultimately, the decision boils down to whether you value the spirited sound and tactile feedback of the Magnetic Jade or the smooth, gentle touch of the Master.
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