Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between the innovative Gateron Magnetic Jade and the popular Outemu Milk Tea. The Magnetic Jade switch, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an ideal upgrade for those looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Its unique design allows for superior typing experiences and improved acoustics, which many users appreciate. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch, known for its tactile feedback, caters to those who enjoy a pronounced ‘bump’ during keystrokes, offering a satisfying typing experience with a quieter operation. While the Magnetic Jade excels in sound and innovative technology, the Milk Tea appeals to users who prefer a more traditional tactile feel. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Milk Tea switches, we can observe notable differences in their top housings, while their bottom housings share similarities. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharp and crisp sound profile due to the material's rigidity. This characteristic is beneficial for users who prefer a clear auditory feedback while typing, particularly in RGB setups, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea employs a Ly top housing that is also designed to generate a bright sound signature. While it does not specify the plastic composition, the Milk Tea's focus on auditory clarity suggests it may also prioritize resonance, albeit potentially with different acoustic qualities influenced by its unique material makeup.
On the other hand, both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This classic plastic is known for its softer structure, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon housing in both the Magnetic Jade and Milk Tea ensures a dampened sound that absorbs vibrations, resulting in a rounded auditory experience. This similarity allows both switches to provide a satisfying tactile response during key presses, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. Consequently, both switches can yield a richer and more substantial bottom-out feel, appealing to users who appreciate the sensory feedback typical of nylon-based housings.
The combination of differing top housings and identical bottom housings means that while the Magnetic Jade and Outemu Milk Tea switches will produce distinct sound profiles upon release and bottoming out, they will share foundational auditory traits due to the influence of nylon. The polycarbonate top of the Magnetic Jade may create sharper ascents in sound when keys are released, while the Milk Tea's top may present a different auditory experience with its brighter signature. However, both switches will ultimately provide a rounded and full sound at the bottom-out point, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of nylon. Thus, while the overall experience may differ due to the materials employed in the top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a level of consistency in the deeper acoustic qualities each switch delivers.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Magnetic Jade switch features a relatively lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may provide a more tactile and substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel. Regarding the bottom out forces, the Magnetic Jade switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the information for the Milk Tea switch is unavailable. This leads to a definitive conclusion that the Magnetic Jade switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Milk Tea switch offers a heavier feel, catering to different preferences in user experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the Magnetic Jade offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference indicates that the Milk Tea switch provides a more traditional tactile experience, which some users might prefer for its hearty depth. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade's shorter distance may appeal to gamers or individuals who favor quicker response times and more immediate feedback when typing. In essence, while both switches are functional, the Magnetic Jade is better suited for those who prioritize speed, whereas the Milk Tea appeals to users seeking a more pronounced keystroke feel.
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 Tea 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 are renowned for their bright and clacky sound, making them an exceptional choice for users who prioritize auditory feedback during typing. This sound profile enhances the overall experience, especially on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, lending an engaging and lively quality to each keystroke. The Outemu Milk Tea switches, however, do not have a specified sound profile, which means their auditory feedback remains somewhat ambiguous. It's important to note that sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard build, including the materials used for the board and keycaps; therefore, while the Magnetic Jade clearly offers a distinct and enjoyable sound, the Milk Tea’s auditory characteristics remain a mystery.
When it comes to tactile feedback, the Magnetic Jade switches are likely to provide a satisfying experience that complements their acoustic qualities, although specific details regarding their tactile sensation are not provided here. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switches, while also lacking explicit tactile feedback descriptions, typically lean towards a smooth typing experience known in some of their ranges. In general, this creates a contrast, as the Magnetic Jade might deliver a more stimulating tactile experience, while the Milk Tea switches could provide a softer touch—though without precise evaluations, these attributes remain speculative.
In conclusion, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches stand out for their bright, clacky sound and potentially engaging tactile feedback, making them a top choice for those seeking a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Milk Tea switches remain less defined in terms of sound and feel, with less information available to ascertain their tactile characteristics. Ultimately, if you're looking for pronounced auditory engagement and robust tactile feel, the Magnetic Jade is the better option, while the Milk Tea’s performance would need further exploration for a clearer understanding.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, your personal preferences and intended usage should guide your choice. If you value acoustics and a unique typing experience, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent option with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, delivering a bright and clacky sound that enhances your writing or gaming sessions. This switch is particularly appealing if you're looking for that satisfying auditory feedback and a smooth progression through the keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a more traditional tactile feel without focusing on sound characteristics, you may be drawn to the Outemu Milk Tea switch. While its sound profile and specific tactile feedback are not detailed here, typically, such switches cater to users who appreciate a quiet yet engaging typing experience suitable for both office and home environments. Therefore, consider what aspects of keyboard performance matter most to you—whether you prefer a lively acoustic atmosphere or a subdued, tactile typing experience that allows for prolonged use without distractions. Ultimately, your choice will enhance your overall keyboard experience, so weigh these factors carefully.
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