Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Haimu Neo White offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are renowned for their bright, clacky sound profile and superior acoustics, making them an excellent choice for typists seeking an engaging auditory feedback while typing—particularly effective when upgrading your Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switches present a more subdued option, characterized by their medium weight and slightly shortened travel distance. This design results in a smooth and satisfying typing experience, thanks in part to the unique Ly stem, marking them as a superb choice for those who favor a linear feel with mild resistance. Each switch has its own distinct advantages depending on what one values in a keyboard experience—whether it’s the acoustic celebration of the Magnetic Jade or the smooth precision of the Neo White. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Haimu Neo White switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a very similar sound profile when it comes to keypress acoustics. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially when accentuated by RGB lighting, but also contributes to a resonant feedback that typists often appreciate. This shared material choice is likely to offer users a consistent auditory experience when releasing keys, yielding bright and clear notes while typing.
Contrasting the top housings, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which brings additional depth and fullness to the overall sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, allowing it to absorb more sound and provide a duller, rounder auditory experience as users bottom out the keys. This characteristic is important, as it influences the tactile experience; while the upper portion of the switch presents a more pronounced tonal clarity, the nylon bottom housing balances that out with a warmer sound. Thus, even though the top and bottom housings are made from different materials, together they create a complex auditory landscape wherein each contributes its unique properties—polycarbonate emphasizes clarity, while nylon enhances depth.
In combining the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Haimu Neo White switches achieve a well-rounded acoustic profile, though they may elicit divergent responses depending on each material's contribution. Given that both switches utilize the same materials for their respective top and bottom housings, users can expect a fulfilling typing experience, characterized by crisp releases paired with rounded bottom-out sounds. Whether one opts for the Magnetic Jade or the Neo White, familiarity with the inherent qualities of polycarbonate and nylon will ensure that the end result—both in sound and tactile feedback—remains remarkably consistent, allowing for a similar typing experience across these two options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, there are notable differences that cater to varying preferences among users. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it suitable for those who enjoy prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Neo White switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Magnetic Jade's 55 grams. It's worth noting that the actuation force for the Neo White is listed as unknown, which means we can't make a direct comparison. However, this suggests that the overall typing experience might still be subject to personal preference depending on the user's familiarity with different switch characteristics. In summary, users who favor a lighter feel for long-term typing may gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade, while those who prefer a more substantial experience might lean towards the Neo White, particularly due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch exhibit some differences in their travel distances, with the Magnetic Jade measuring at 3.5 mm and the Neo White slightly longer at 3.6 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that cater to a preference for quicker response times—ideal for gamers—the Neo White offers a tiny edge in depth. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may gravitate toward the Magnetic Jade due to its shorter travel distance, while users who enjoy a more pronounced actuation may find the Haimu Neo White's extra millimeter more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice will depend on one's preference for responsiveness versus depth in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00, whereas the Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is characterized by its bright and clacky acoustics, making it highly appealing for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This quality enhances the overall experience, particularly for users looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch has a neutral sound profile, which strikes a balance that caters to a broader range of preferences. Its moderate sound level makes it suitable for various settings, whether in the office or at home, ensuring it won't distract others while still providing adequate feedback for the user.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch excels in delivering a highly engaging typing experience thanks to its design, which is optimized for smooth actuation. However, the specific details regarding its feel are not provided. The Haimu Neo White switch, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience with a medium weight and reduced total travel. This combination makes it approachable for users of all levels, promoting a smooth and gentle keystroke that is easy to enjoy for extended typing sessions. The use of a Ly stem in the Neo White switch further enhances its smoothness, ensuring that each keystroke feels gratifying and effortless.
In summary, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch presents a bright and engaging sound coupled with a smooth actuation, while the Haimu Neo White switch features a neutral sound and a mild, approachable feel that appeals to a wider audience. Both switches cater to different aspects of the typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and the desired typing feel. Overall, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit in distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize sound and a lively typing experience, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams makes it a comfortable choice for prolonged typing sessions, while its unique feel can enhance your overall experience if you're aiming for something engaging and fun, perhaps for more casual use or gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a more neutral and smooth typing sensation paired with a subtle auditory experience, the Neo White switch might be more suitable for you. Its slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams provides a stable feel, making it ideal for both working environments and everyday typing tasks. The Neo White's mild characteristics ensure that it can accommodate a range of usage scenarios, appealing to both beginners and seasoned typists who appreciate a balanced performance. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider what attributes matter most to you as you make your decision.
Mentioned in this article
