Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Crystal Brown. The Magnetic Jade switch stands out with its innovative Hall Effect technology, delivering a bright and clacky sound that many typists adore, making it an excellent upgrade for those using Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. It caters to users who prioritize auditory feedback and a superior overall typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is designed as a tactile switch, which provides a satisfying bump during key engagement. This tactile nature allows for a more responsive feel while typing, appealing to both gamers and typists who appreciate subtle but noticeable feedback without the added noise. While both switches have unique strengths—acoustics and enhanced feedback—each serves different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, it becomes evident that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in notable similarities in their sound profiles. According to the descriptions provided, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic leads to a clear and resonant audio experience that many typists appreciate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as the light can easily pass through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of keyboards. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory result from both switches due to their shared top housing material.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches are both made from nylon, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the top housing. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, which allows it to absorb more sound waves, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. This means that the sound produced when bottoming out the switch will be less sharp and more muted, resulting in a smoother overall typing experience. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both switches establishes a balance where the top housing produces a crisp sound upon release, while the bottom housing contributes a fuller sound upon keypress.
Given that both switches exhibit a similar structure with identical housing materials for their respective components, users can anticipate a cohesive typing experience. The match in top housing material ensures a bright signature sound, while the nylon bottom guarantees a pleasant and rounded acoustic quality. Therefore, regardless of whether one opts for the Gateron Magnetic Jade or the Outemu Crystal Brown, they can achieve comparable auditory effects as well as a satisfying tactile feedback, primarily driven by the interplay of materials used in the switch construction.
Weight
The Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch present interesting comparisons in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, while the Crystal Brown requires a heavier push at 45 grams to actuate. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 55 grams, which means that regardless of the actuation force, users will experience a similar tactile response when the key is pressed all the way down. For those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the preferable option due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a more substantial and tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who appreciate a stronger push feel in their typing experience. Overall, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on individual preferences for key feel, with the Magnetic Jade being lighter and more suitable for prolonged use, while the Crystal Brown caters to those who enjoy a heftier actuation.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Magnetic Jade may suit your needs better due to its shorter travel distance, which can provide quicker actuation for gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown's 4 mm distance offers a more traditional and deeper experience, which some users may prefer for its tactile feedback and overall typing comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: those who favor speed and responsiveness will gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade, while those seeking a more substantial keypress will likely opt for the Crystal Brown.
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 Crystal Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch stands out with its bright and clacky acoustic profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy an audible feedback during typing. This sound quality not only enhances the typing experience but also adds an element of satisfaction with each keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have a well-defined auditory characteristic, which means it may be more subdued or influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycap materials. Therefore, if sound is a priority in your keyboard setup, the Magnetic Jade will likely deliver a more engaging auditory experience compared to the Crystal Brown.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is renowned for providing a superior typing sensation, likely thanks to its hall effect technology that allows for a smooth actuation. This results in an overall typing experience that is fluid and responsive, which can positively impact typing speed and accuracy. Conversely, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is recognized for its tactile feedback, although specific details on its feel are not provided. It can be presumed that the Crystal Brown offers a different tactile experience, likely more of a traditional mechanical feel compared to the advanced technology of the Magnetic Jade. Thus, if the swinging smoothness of the Magnetic Jade is appealing, the Crystal Brown may provide a more classic tactile sensation.
In conclusion, if you're looking for an expressive sound and a fluid typing experience, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is a superior choice due to its bright acoustics and advanced feel. Meanwhile, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch, while lacking specific details on sound and feel, may offer a more conventional mechanical typing experience. Depending on your preferences, if you gravitate towards sound and seamless keypress, the Magnetic Jade will better suit your needs, while the Crystal Brown could serve as a reliable option if you prefer tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences and intended use. The Magnetic Jade is ideal for you if you're looking for a unique and superior typing experience coupled with a bright, clacky sound that enhances the overall acoustics of your keyboard. If you're someone who values a distinct auditory feedback and enjoys the aesthetics of a dynamically responsive key feel, then the Magnetic Jade will likely be your top pick. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional tactile experience without the bells and whistles of sound, then the Outemu Crystal Brown, being a reliable option for typical day-to-day typing, might be more suitable. It offers decent tactile feedback without the extra auditory flair, making it a practical choice for office environments or situations where you require quieter operation. In conclusion, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize sound and a premium feel with the Magnetic Jade or a straightforward, tactile experience with the Outemu Crystal Brown.
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