Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Cream Pink each offer unique benefits to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, utilizing Hall Effect technology, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their typing experience with both auditory feedback and improved acoustics. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile bumps or audible clicks, which may appeal to those who prefer a quieter, more subdued typing experience. While each switch offers distinct advantages, such as the Magnetic Jade’s engaging sound or the Cream Pink’s seamless feel, the ultimate choice hinges on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback. 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
65g
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
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Cream Pink switches employ distinctly different materials for their top housings, which greatly influences their auditory characteristics. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffness, which contributes to a more resonant acoustic experience. In contrast, the Cream Pink utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory output. This fundamental difference in material choice illustrates how the top housing significantly affects the sound characteristics of each switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Magnetic Jade and the Cream Pink switches utilize nylon. This shared construction means both switches will experience similar enhancements in sound dynamics at the bottom-out point. The nylon material is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, thereby providing a richer and more muted sound profile. Consequently, while the top housings differ in generating distinctive sound qualities, the nylon bottom housings create a cohesive auditory experience that is expected to yield a deeper and fuller response from both switches when bottoming out. Therefore, although the initial sound upon release differs due to the top housing, the bottom housing contributes a sense of uniformity across both switches.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Cream Pink create unique sound profiles while the uniformity of the nylon bottom housing offers a similarity in acoustic feedback and tactile experience. This means that while users will notice clear differences, especially during key releases, the overall sound experience remains consistent at the point of bottoming out, where the softness of nylon comes into play. Ultimately, these variations in material contribute to a diverse yet layered keyboard experience, allowing enthusiasts to select switches that cater to their personal preferences for auditory and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch offer distinct experiences due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade switches feature a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Cream Pink switches require a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. This difference means that the Magnetic Jade switch caters to users looking for comfort and ease, while the Cream Pink switch is better suited for individuals who appreciate a firmer tactile feedback. Overall, the heavier Outemu Cream Pink is ideal for those who prioritize a satisfying actuation experience, whereas the lighter Gateron Magnetic Jade can help users type for longer durations with less effort.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence the typing experience: the Magnetic Jade, being the shorter of the two, provides a more responsive feel, which can benefit gamers seeking quick key presses. Conversely, the Cream Pink switch, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial bottom-out feel that some users may prefer for its tactile depth. Therefore, if you're looking for increased responsiveness, the Gateron Magnetic Jade would be the ideal choice; however, for those who favor a more traditional typing experience, the Outemu Cream Pink would be the better option.
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 Pink 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
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch produces a bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their auditory experience while typing. This acoustic quality is particularly appealing for users who enjoy the satisfying noise associated with mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Pink switch lacks a specific sound profile information, which makes it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it's essential to consider that the overall sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the type of board and keycaps used, meaning even a switch without a defined acoustic character can still be tailored to achieve a preferred sound.
When evaluating the feel, the Magnetic Jade switch is known for providing a superior tactile experience, allowing for precise actuation that many users find satisfying. This precise feedback contributes to a more enjoyable typing experience that meets the needs of enthusiasts and professionals alike. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is not detailed, leaving an unknown variable in this comparison. Generally, linear switches are characterized by their smooth key press without the tactile bump or click, which could appeal to those who enjoy uninterrupted keystrokes.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch delivers a bright, clacky sound and a highly regarded tactile experience, the Outemu Cream Pink switch lacks specific information about its acoustic qualities and feel. For users who prioritize sound and tactile feedback, the Magnetic Jade stands out as a strong choice, ensuring satisfaction in both aspects of the typing experience. Meanwhile, choosing the Outemu Cream Pink would remain an option for those who may appreciate a more subdued auditory profile, although they may need to experiment further to understand its full capabilities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a bright, clacky sound along with a unique tactile experience, the Magnetic Jade switches are a fantastic option. They excel in applications where acoustics matter, making them ideal for gaming or typing enthusiasts who appreciate sound feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a consistent and smooth linear response—though lacking distinct sound characteristics—the Outemu Cream Pink is a solid choice. This switch may appeal more to those who enjoy a more subdued typing experience or require a switch that is more forgiving during long typing sessions. In summary, weigh your sound preferences and tactile needs carefully to select the switch that will provide you with the most satisfying experience.
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