Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) showcase distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users looking to elevate their typing experience with superior acoustics. The switch is characterized by a high-pitched, polished, and silky feel, appealing to those who appreciate a more melodic typing environment. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a tactile switch experience defined by a sharp, hypertactile sensation, thanks to its unique blend of PBT housing. Users will enjoy a snappy, accented feel paired with a resonant sound on both upstroke and downstroke, providing a punchy feedback that typists often crave. Each switch has its merit—whether you prioritize acoustic qualities or tactile feedback—but regardless of preference, both promise a premium 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), we see distinct differences in the composition of their top housings. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, enabling a clearer and more resonant acoustic profile. In contrast, the Moyu Black utilizes a PBT top housing, characterized by its neutral sound profile, which is neither particularly crisp nor dull. While both materials contribute to the overall sonic character of the switches, the choice of polycarbonate in the Magnetic Jade is significant for those seeking an enhanced auditory experience, especially when using RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Turning to the bottom housing of each switch, another contrast emerges. The Magnetic Jade's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon's softer nature, which dampens sound and results in a more rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Black again features PBT as its bottom housing material, which continues the trend of offering a neutral sound profile similar to its top counterpart. This means while both switches share a neutral tonal quality when it comes to the bottom-out sound, the Magnetic Jade aims for a richer acoustic experience through its nylon, allowing for distinct auditory feedback when typing.
Ultimately, the disparate materials in the top and bottom housings of each switch mean that users can expect different textures in sound and feel. The Gateron Magnetic Jade will likely provide a more dynamic auditory experience due to the combination of polycarbonate for clarity and nylon for depth. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), with PBT in both housing sections, offers more uniformity, resulting in a balanced feel and sound. Therefore, while both switches aim to provide satisfactory typing experiences, the nuanced differences in material choices lead to unique characteristics in sound and typing feedback, appealing to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch to the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces, which influences overall typing experience. The Magnetic Jade switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial feel that might appeal to those who enjoy a stronger push during key presses. Thus, the Magnetic Jade is better for those desiring a lighter touch, while the Moyu Black is ideal for users who favor a more robust experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there is a distinct difference. The Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Moyu Black features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Magnetic Jade offers a shorter travel experience, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Moyu Black provides a more traditional and hearty depth due to its longer 4 mm travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a less abrupt keypress. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus a more satisfying tactile feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 produce a bright and clacky auditory experience that is perfect for users who appreciate a sharp and percussive sound profile. The high-pitched tone gives a crisp effect, making each keystroke feel engaging and lively. Conversely, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches offer a resonant sound that is also clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. While both switches can deliver a bright and crisp sound, they differ slightly in presentation—with the Magnetic Jade emphasizing a clackier response compared to the distinct resonance of the Moyu Blacks. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, which may further enhance or alter their natural characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches stand out for their polished and silky texture, resulting in a seamless and refined typing experience. This smoothness is due to the meticulous design and materials used, allowing for minimal friction during key presses. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are noted for their strong tactile feedback, primarily through their sharp tactile bump that creates an intense and snappy sensation. While the Magnetic Jade focuses on a smooth travel experience, the Moyu Blacks emphasize a more pronounced tactile response, which provides a different yet equally satisfying typing sensation. Both switches cater to distinct preferences in tactile feedback and smoothness.
In conclusion, the choice between Gateron Magnetic Jade and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches will largely depend on individual sound and feel preferences. The Magnetic Jade excels in producing a bright and clacky sound while offering a silky-smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Moyu Blacks deliver a sharper and more resonant sound combined with intense tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique qualities, and understanding these attributes will help newcomers make an informed decision that aligns with their typing style and auditory preferences. Whether you prefer the lively acoustics of the Magnetic Jade or the pronounced tactile sensation of the Moyu Black, both options promise an elevated typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback. If you’re looking for a lighter, more responsive typing experience with a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the auditory pleasure of typing, the Magnetic Jade is your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force makes it suitable for users who prefer a smoother, silky feel, perfect for both gaming and lengthy typing sessions where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you value a pronounced tactile bump combined with a heavier feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will satisfy your craving for a more impactful typing experience. Its medium-heavy force and sharp, resonant sound are ideal for those who appreciate a distinct feedback on each keystroke, offering a satisfying sensation that can make typing feel more engaging and deliberate. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style—light and clacky for speed and smoothness or firm and tactile for a punchy, engaging experience.
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