Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Cream Yellow 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 the Outemu Cream Yellow present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a Hall Effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an ideal choice for users looking to enhance their typing experience and overall acoustics, particularly when upgrading a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that offers a solid yet satisfying resistance with each keystroke, appealing to gamers and typists who appreciate a tactile feedback without the loudness of clicky switches. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Magnetic Jade excelling in sound and performance, while the Cream Yellow provides a more subdued but equally enjoyable 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 Yellow switches employ different materials for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles during operation. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, resulting in a sharper and more pronounced sound when typing. This high-pitched and crisp sound can enhance the auditory feedback for users who prefer a clear response from their switches, especially useful in RGB setups where the light shines through the clear material. In contrast, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer properties. This results in a deeper, rounder sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a more muted auditory experience. Users of the Cream Yellow will experience a different auditory sensation, which may not be as bright or pronounced as that of the Magnetic Jade.
On the other hand, both the Magnetic Jade and Cream Yellow switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. This uniformity in the bottom material means that the impact of the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback will be similar for both switches, as nylon tends to absorb sound effectively. Consequently, pressing either switch will yield a deeper and fuller sound because of the soft properties of nylon. This common bottom housing provides a consistent experience when bottoming out the keys, even though the vibrancy of each switch’s top sound varies greatly due to their respective materials.
When considering the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the contrasting materials in the top housing are key to their unique characteristics. The Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top enhances brightness and clarity, while the Cream Yellow’s nylon top brings a muted warmth. However, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users will still experience that familiar, rounded feedback when pressing the keys down. Thus, while the individual switches offer different sound signatures and tactile sensations due to the variances in their top housings, the nylon material in both switches' bottoms unifies their performance, ensuring a consistent typing feel when bottoming out.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, there are notable differences in their specifications. The Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which makes it more suitable for users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. As such, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option, while the Cream Yellow is the heavier one. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that allows for less fatigue during prolonged use, the Magnetic Jade would be the better choice, whereas the Cream Yellow would be ideal for users who appreciate a firmer tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Magnetic Jade boasting a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cream Yellow measures at 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Magnetic Jade has a longer travel distance. In practical terms, this means that users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke and tactile feedback might favor the Magnetic Jade, as its additional 0.2 mm could provide a feeling of more depth and resistance. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow, with its shorter travel distance, may cater better to gamers or those who prioritize quick, responsive actions over an elaborate keystroke experience. Therefore, if you are drawn to a more abrupt feel and faster responses, the Cream Yellow might be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance.
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 Yellow 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 switches produce a bright and clacky sound that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This auditory experience is particularly suited for those who appreciate an engaging acoustic profile, making the Gateron Magnetic Jade an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who desire a lively soundscape. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch lacks a detailed description regarding its sound characteristics. However, it is essential to note that the auditory qualities of any switch can vary significantly depending on factors such as the keyboard construction and the keycaps used, making it difficult to make a direct sound comparison between the two.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch delivers a unique experience, likely characterized by its magnetic sensing mechanism that provides a smooth and consistent feedback with each key press. The tactile sensation offered by these switches enhances the typing experience, lending a sense of precision and responsiveness that many users find appealing. Unfortunately, the Cream Yellow switch does not have a clear articulation of its tactile properties, leaving a gap in our understanding. Nevertheless, users can expect tactile switches to generally offer some level of feedback that differentiates them from linear or clicky options, implying that some degree of tactile response is present, even if specifics remain unknown.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches present distinctly different sound profiles, with the former being highlighted for its bright and clacky acoustic signature, the comparative knowledge of their tactile feedback leaves some ambiguity for the Cream Yellow. Users seeking a vibrant auditory experience may gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade, while those who prioritize feel without specific information on the Cream Yellow must consider their personal preferences in tactile feedback. Overall, the choice between these switches will ultimately come down to individual priorities in sound and feel, while also being influenced by keyboard build and keycap selection.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a lively and bright acoustic profile with a satisfying clack sound while enjoying a relatively light actuation force, the Magnetic Jade is definitely the way to go. It's ideal for those who love responsive feedback and seek an elevated acoustic experience, particularly suited for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Conversely, if you seek a more traditional tactile feel with a moderate bottom-out force and less emphasis on sound, the Cream Yellow switch may better align with your needs. It's a solid option if you prefer a more subdued typing experience while still enjoying a tactile bump. By considering your priorities regarding sound feedback and tactile sensation, you'll be able to make an informed choice that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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