Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Milk Blue. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent upgrade for those who desire a superior typing experience and improved acoustics, particularly in a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, offers a tactile and audible feedback that many typists find satisfying, enhancing the overall typing rhythm and making it a great choice for those who favor a more responsive feel. Each switch has its unique appeal: while the Magnetic Jade excels in sound and acoustic depth, the Milk Blue stands out for its crisp tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Milk Blue switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes significantly to their sound characteristics. This shared choice of material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience when typing. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness allows for a clearer resonance, making the overall sound profile of both switches more pronounced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting, as it enables vibrant illumination to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of keyboards outfitted with these switches. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory feedback and visual response when using either switch, making them appealing options for enthusiasts prioritizing sound and aesthetics.
In contrast, both the Magnetic Jade and Milk Blue switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which contrasts notably with the polycarbonate top. The use of nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributable to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic leads to a rounder sounding experience when bottoming out the keys, which influences the tactile feedback felt during usage. Hence, while the top housing contributes to the initial impact of sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing is crucial for the "bottom-out" experience, making the overall typing sensation more pronounced and rounded in both switches.
When taken together, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing in both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Milk Blue switches results in a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience. Users will find that both switches harmonize their distinctive attributes to create a cohesive sound profile—high-pitched and crisp from the top with a fuller, rounded base from the bottom. This interplay allows for a balanced typing experience where the advantages of each material are effectively utilized, enabling enthusiasts to enjoy similar results regardless of their choice between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, notable differences emerge. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer typing experience that can accommodate longer periods of use, such as during extensive work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue has a significantly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger response when typing. The Magnetic Jade also has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a complete press down, whereas the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unknown. Given this information, it's clear that the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option while the Milk Blue is heavier; if the bottom out forces were known to be similar, one could anticipate a comparable typing experience, although in this case, the lesser-known data on the Milk Blue leaves some ambiguity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we see a noticeable difference. The Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Milk Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional. This difference in travel distance means that the Magnetic Jade switch may provide a quicker response time, appealing to gamers who favor faster key presses, whereas the Milk Blue switch, with its longer travel distance, can offer a more defined tactile feedback that some users might prefer for a more hearty typing experience. Therefore, if you’re looking for a responsive feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the better choice, while the Outemu Milk Blue may be better suited for those who appreciate a deeper key press.
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 Milk 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 acoustic profile, which contributes to an engaging auditory experience often sought after by enthusiasts. This sound quality makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy the auditory feedback that accompanies each keystroke, especially in a gaming or typing context. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have a defined sound profile mentioned, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. Generally, clicky switches like the Milk Blue are known for a distinct clicking sound, but without specific information, one can only assume it might have some characteristics typical of clicky switches.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch is designed to provide a superior typing experience, which suggests a smooth and responsive keystroke. These switches often come with a heightened tactile feedback that can improve typing efficiency and comfort. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has not been defined in the provided information, leaving an unknown factor for potential users seeking tactile sensations. Typically, clicky switches provide a noticeable bump at the actuation point, but without direct details, it’s uncertain how the Milk Blue aligns with this expectation.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch presents clearly defined qualities with its bright sound and superior feel, the Outemu Milk Blue lacked specific details in both areas. This makes it challenging to directly compare the two switches comprehensively. If you're looking for a switch with a recognizable acoustic and tactile experience, the Magnetic Jade stands out as a solid choice, while the Milk Blue may still surprise if it aligns with typical clicky switch characteristics, though its specifics remain unknown.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're in search of a switch that delivers an exceptional typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent choice. Its bright and clacky sound profile not only enhances the auditory aspect of your typing but also complements the precision of a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, making it ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and smooth actuation. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic clicky switch that provides a more traditional typing experience, albeit with less specific sound and feel characteristics listed, the Milk Blue could be a fitting option. Although its bottom-out force isn't clearly defined, clicky switches generally appeal to typists who enjoy audible feedback and pronounced actuation. Ultimately, consider what aspects of switch performance matter most to you—whether it’s sound, feel, or actuation force—before making your decision.
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