Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches stand out for their vibrant and clacky sound profile, making them a top choice for enthusiasts seeking an engaging and auditory typing experience, particularly when upgrading a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed with a focus on professional office environments, offering a quieter typing experience that maintains comfort without drawing unnecessary attention. With their light actuation and mild sound signature, they strike a balance between performance and discretion, catering to users who prioritize a calm workspace. While both switches serve distinct purposes—one aimed at enhancing the joy of typing and the other at minimizing disruption—each has its own merits depending on your environment and typing style. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and Gateron Mountain Top switches exhibit contrasting sound profiles primarily due to the materials used for their top housings. The Magnetic Jade utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its st firmness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that resonates clearly, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as the clear polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer characteristics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muted auditory experience due to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. As a result, the choice of top housing significantly influences the auditory feedback each switch provides when typing.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, a noticeable similarity emerges. Both the Magnetic Jade and the Mountain Top employ nylon in their bottom housings, which leads to consistently deeper and fuller sound profiles. The inherent properties of nylon—its softer nature and sound-absorbing capabilities—allow both switches to deliver a dulled and rounded sound during keypresses. Although the top housings result in different sound qualities, the unified use of nylon in the bottom housings ensures a shared experience when typing on either switch. This similarity in material choice lays a foundation for consistent feedback on the bottom-out sound and feel across both models.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top housings—polycarbonate in the Magnetic Jade and nylon in the Mountain Top—coupled with the shared nylon bottom housings creates a distinct typing experience for each switch. The contrasting nature of the top housings plays a crucial role in defining the overall sound profile, making the Magnetic Jade sharper and brighter, while the Mountain Top offers a deeper and warmer tone. Therefore, even though both switches share the same bottom housing material, the unique qualities imparted by their different top housing materials ensure that they deliver distinct auditory and tactile experiences. Understanding these differences can guide users in selecting the switch that best aligns with their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch with the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom-out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer key press ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch has a higher actuation force of 40 grams, paired with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing down. While the Mountain Top is considered light overall, it is still heavier than the Magnetic Jade in terms of actuation force. This means that those who favor a stronger push feel would find the Mountain Top more to their liking, while users looking for a more subdued experience would lean towards the Magnetic Jade. Thus, if you prefer lighter switches for comfort during long usage, the Magnetic Jade would be the better choice, while the Mountain Top offers a more substantial feel suitable for those who appreciate a bit of resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mountain Top measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the longer option, providing a bit more depth in key engagement, which some users may find more satisfying, especially if they prefer a hearty feel to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Mountain Top's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it offers a more immediate actuation. Both switches provide a responsive experience, but the difference in travel distance may influence user preference based on individual requirements for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade switch delivers a bright and clacky auditory experience that appeals to those who appreciate a more pronounced and engaging typing sound. This switch is ideal for personal use, especially in setups that celebrate rich acoustic qualities, adding a lively ambiance to your keyboard. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch focuses on creating a more subdued sound profile, specifically engineered for office environments. While it may offer a neutral sound that’s moderate in volume, it veers towards discretion, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. The difference in sound signatures makes these switches suited to different settings and user preferences: one is vibrant and lively, while the other is more reserved and office-friendly.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switch invokes a unique tactile response that can be likened to an energetic typing session, though specific descriptive qualities regarding its feel remain unknown. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switches have a well-rounded bouncy and mild feel that makes typing a delight. With a gentle actuation force, these switches ensure that each keystroke feels effortless, minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing. The snappy responsiveness combined with the mild characteristics also allows for a smooth and pleasant typing rhythm, making it approachable for a range of typists, from beginners to seasoned pros.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Mountain Top switches may excel in different environments—lively and engaging versus discreet and mild—they offer distinct typing experiences shaped by their sound and feel qualities. Whether one prefers the clacky exuberance of the Magnetic Jade or the subtle responsiveness of the Mountain Top will ultimately depend on personal taste and typing conditions. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise to enhance one's keyboard experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, your decision should largely depend on your typing environment and personal typing preferences. If you value a vibrant tactile experience and enjoy a bright, clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade is the way to go. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams makes it ideal for those who relish a more pronounced typing feedback, enhancing your overall experience—especially if you are in a setting where the acoustics are important, such as in gaming or creative work. On the other hand, if you primarily seek a quieter, more subtle typing experience, especially in professional offices or shared spaces, the Mountain Top switch is tailored for you. With its light bottom-out force of 50 grams, it provides an easy-to-press feel that reduces finger fatigue and supports long typing sessions without disturbing those around you. The Mountain Top strike a harmonious balance, combining moderate actuation with a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists who desire a discreet yet responsive feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize an engaging sound and feel or a more reserved, comfortable typing experience.
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