Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Cream Blue represent two distinct categories that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound profile, providing an enjoyable auditory feedback for users looking to enhance their typing experience on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize acoustics and seek a premium feel in their keyboard action. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch, is known for its tactile response and pronounced click sound, making it a favorite among typists who revel in a more traditional mechanical feel. This switch caters to users who appreciate feedback during their keystrokes and enjoy the nostalgic sound associated with classic mechanical keyboards. While both switches offer unique advantages—one emphasizing superior acoustics and the other focusing on tactile engagement—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
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Cream Blue switches exhibit notable differences in their top materials while sharing similarities in their bottom constructions. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to polycarbonate’s stiffness. This material is also advantageous for RGB lighting as its translucency allows the illumination to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This results in a more muted auditory experience when typing, emphasizing the roundness and warmth of keystrokes rather than the crispness found in the Magnetic Jade.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, which provides consistent sound qualities between the two models. The nylon bottom housing in both the Magnetic Jade and the Cream Blue absorbs sound more effectively than harder housing materials, leading to a deeper and more rounded sound on bottoming out. This shared characteristic facilitates a similar deep auditory profile when actuating both switches. However, the experience may differ as users engage with each switch due to the distinct sounds produced by the differing top materials—the Magnetic Jade, with its polycarbonate top, retains that sharper, more resonant sound when releasing a key, while the Cream Blue has a more subdued audio experience.
Ultimately, the combination of switch housings creates a distinct typing experience that balances sound and feel. Although the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Cream Blue switches have differing top housings, the nylon bottom housing in both switches anchors their performance in terms of sound profile, providing a consistent and pleasing auditory foundation. The outcome is that while the top housing significantly influences the sound of a key's release, the bottom housing governs the sound upon bottoming out, leading to an intricate interplay that shapes the overall typing experience for users of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Magnetic Jade switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, while the Cream Blue requires a heftier 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, when it comes to bottom out force, the Magnetic Jade has a 55-gram requirement compared to the Cream Blue’s 65 grams. This means that the Magnetic Jade switch offers a lighter overall typing experience, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or intensive gaming, whereas the Cream Blue, with its heavier forces, provides a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Therefore, if you're seeking a responsive and softer keystroke, the Magnetic Jade is the better option, whereas the Cream Blue caters to those who enjoy typing on a heavier and clicky switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in typing feel. The Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option that appeals to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Cream Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns more closely with traditional switch designs and provides a deeper feel that some typists may prefer for a more robust typing experience. Thus, while the Magnetic Jade can offer a snappier feedback for those used to shorter travel distances, the Cream Blue's longer travel distance may be favored by individuals who appreciate a substantial depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10.
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 is renowned for its bright and clacky auditory profile, which enhances the typing experience and makes it a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is known for its clicky sound; however, the specifics aren't particularly emphasized compared to the Magnetic Jade's striking auditory character. The unique sound qualities of both switches will resonate differently depending on the keyboard configuration, including board material and keycap selection, but the Magnetic Jade will likely provide a more vibrant soundscape overall.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is celebrated for its smooth operation and satisfying tactile feedback, which enhances the overall typing experience. This switch is designed to provide a responsive and engaging feel, making it ideal for both typists and gamers alike. The Cream Blue switch also features tactile feedback with its clicky mechanism, promoting an enjoyable typing experience, yet it may not match the refined smoothness of the Magnetic Jade. The tactile bump and click mechanism of the Cream Blue adds character, but the overall smoothness and responsiveness may be somewhat different from the experience offered by the Magnetic Jade.
Considering all the information presented, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch offers a standout clacky sound and a buttery smooth feel, the Outemu Cream Blue switch provides a distinctively clicky auditory experience with tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, either switch can cater to different typing styles and acoustic desires. Individuals seeking a vibrant sound combined with a fluid feel might lean towards the Magnetic Jade, while those who enjoy pronounced clicks would appreciate the Cream Blue. Ultimately, both switches bring unique attributes to the table, appealing to varied user preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall effect switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch largely depends on your personal preferences and what you value most in your typing experience. If you are looking for a switch that provides a bright, clacky sound along with a medium-light feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is an excellent option, especially if you prioritize acoustic enhanced feedback while typing. Its 55 grams of bottom-out force means it offers a smoother typing experience with less strain on your fingers, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback that is heavier to type on, the Outemu Cream Blue would be the better choice due to its 65 grams of bottom-out force. This switch caters to those who enjoy a definitive clicky sound, which can enhance the tactile sensation during typing, though it may require more effort to press down keys. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it's a lighter, more acoustically pleasing switch or a heavier, more tactile experience—before making your decision.
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