Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different options, each offering unique benefits suited to varying preferences and styles. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switch, a hall effect switch, stands out for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users looking to elevate their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard experience with superior acoustics and an engaging typing sensation. In contrast, the BSUN Olive switch boasts all-POM housings that produce a resonant, deep sound, combined with a tactile feedback that is both snappy and invigorating, thanks to its unique long pole stem design. This tactile switch caters to those who value a pronounced physical response as they type, enhancing overall satisfaction with each keystroke. While the Magnetic Jade appeals to audiophiles and those in search of an upscale typing feel, the Olive is perfect for users seeking a rich sound profile paired with engaging tactile feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Bsun Olive switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing's composition. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer plastic structure that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it particularly suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience, especially in setups that utilize RGB lighting due to the material's translucence. In contrast, the Olive employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate contributes to a brighter sound, the Olive's POM reinforces a warmer auditory response, providing distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Magnetic Jade and the Olive utilize materials that lean towards enabling fuller and deeper sound profiles. The Magnetic Jade's nylon bottom housing is known for its classic qualities, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic nature, resulting in a rounder, richer acoustic experience. Similarly, the Olive's POM bottom housing offers a unique sound that also sits on the deeper side and is relatively more muted. Despite the Nylon and POM being different materials, both create similar outcomes as they favor sound absorption, leading to a fuller sound when bottoming out, ensuring that users experience a satisfying keystroke regardless of the switch chosen.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches yields unique sound profiles shaped by the interaction between the top and bottom components. With the Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top providing a bright and crisp auditory cue upon release and the nylon bottom housing contributing to a deeper sound, it presents a balanced typing experience. Conversely, the Olive combines its POM top and bottom housing to deliver a consistently muted and rounded sound profile throughout the keystrokes, creating a cohesive auditory experience. For enthusiasts looking for distinctive sound palettes in their keyboards, the choice between these two switch types will ultimately depend on personal preference regarding brightness versus warmth in sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct preferences for different typing experiences. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions due to its medium-light feel. In contrast, the Olive switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial key press and feedback while typing. This difference in actuation force means that those favoring a softer touch should consider the Magnetic Jade, whereas those who prefer a more forceful response will likely gravitate towards the Olive. Thus, while the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option ideal for extended use, the Bsun Olive caters to users seeking a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Olive has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the longer option by 0.1 mm. For users who prioritize responsive key presses and quicker actuation, the Olive's shorter distance may appeal more to gamers seeking rapid response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial tactile feel, the Magnetic Jade's slightly longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying depth, avoiding the abrupt sensation that can come with shorter switches. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences, allowing individuals to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches produce a bright and clacky auditory experience that is ideal for those looking to enhance the acoustics of their keyboard. This lively sound profile makes every keystroke feel pronounced and satisfying, adding an engaging layer to typing or gaming. In contrast, the BSUN Olive switches are known for their resonant and deep sound, thanks to their all-POM housings which contribute to a rich acoustic signature. While the Jade switches provide a higher-pitched, sharper tone, the Olives offer a thicker, more substantial sound. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches present a unique typing experience. The specifics of how they feel were not provided, but they are generally recognized for their smooth action, making the actuation pleasant while potentially lacking pronounced tactile feedback. The BSUN Olive switches, on the other hand, are characterized by their medium tactile feedback, providing a clear and invigorating response without being overly harsh. The combination of their longer pole stem leads to a snappy actuation that enhances the immersive nature of each keystroke. Users can expect a satisfying tactile bump and a sharp, distinct feedback with every press, creating a dynamic typing environment.
In summary, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches seem to excel in delivering a high-energy sound profile while offering a smooth typing experience, though specifics about their tactile feedback are less defined. In contrast, the BSUN Olive switches truly shine in their deep acoustic quality and robust tactile feedback, thanks to their unique design features. Those looking for a keyboard experience that emphasizes tactile engagement may gravitate towards the Olives, while those prioritizing a lively sound may prefer the Jades. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and the choice between them will depend on whether you value sound or tactile sensation more in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and what you value most in your keyboard experience. If you appreciate a bright, clacky sound and a medium-light actuation, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent option, especially for those who seek an immersive auditory experience and superior acoustics during typing. This switch provides an invigorating feel that enhances speed and responsiveness, making it ideal for gamers or those who enjoy fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a deeper, resonant sound, the Bsun Olive switch might be the better choice for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force combined with an accented, sharp tactile bump delivers a satisfying, immersive experience that many typists find enjoyable. The unique design of the Olive ensures a snappy feel and distinct actuation, which can be particularly appealing if you enjoy a tactile feedback that is both firm yet not overwhelming. Therefore, consider what you prioritize in your keyboard experience—whether it’s the auditory aspects and light touch of the Magnetic Jade or the robust tactile feedback and deep sound of the Olive—as both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
