Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Ocean stand out with distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a Hall Effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience, particularly when paired with a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Meanwhile, the Outemu Ocean, known for its tactile feedback, appeals to those who favor a more traditional typing feel, delivering a satisfying response with each keystroke. While the Magnetic Jade caters to users prioritizing acoustics and a premium experience, the Ocean offers stability and reliability for everyday typing tasks. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Ocean feature top housings made from polycarbonate, a material renowned for its rigidity and capacity to produce a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. This similarity in top housing material means that both switches will yield a crisper sound response when activated, enhancing the auditory experience for the user. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to come through, making both switches a great choice for visually appealing keyboard setups. Given their shared material characteristics, users can expect a consistent sound quality across both switches, particularly when engaging with interventions like lighting configurations.
In contrast to the top housings, both the Magnetic Jade and Ocean switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is well-regarded for its softer properties, resulting in a deeper and warmer sound profile. This construction choice means that while both switches can produce a clear sound when pressed, the bottom-out noise and tactile feedback will feel rounder and fuller due to the inherent sound absorption qualities of the nylon material. This makes for a compelling combination: while the top housing contributes sharpness, the bottom housing softens the overall auditory experience, creating a balanced sound profile that elicits varied auditory sensations depending on which aspect of the switch is engaged.
Ultimately, while both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Ocean share polycarbonate in their top housings and nylon in their bottoms, the interplay between these materials allows each switch to present its unique characteristics. Users can enjoy the crispness of the polycarbonate at the actuation point while simultaneously experiencing the warmth of the nylon upon bottom-out. This dual interaction offers a rich typing experience that balances clarity with fullness, appealing to both gamers and typists alike. As a result, even though the switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the thoughtful combination of these materials ensures an engaging performance and satisfyingly robust sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch exhibit contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation force, while information regarding their bottom out forces varies. The Magnetic Jade features a relatively light actuation force of 30 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register each keystroke. In contrast, the Ocean switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force for the Ocean switch is unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of its total actuation dynamics. Ultimately, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter switch, which may appeal to those prioritizing comfort for prolonged use, while the Outemu Ocean offers a heavier feel, catering to users who enjoy a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ocean offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Magnetic Jade switch provides a shorter distance of key travel, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Outemu Ocean, with its longer travel distance, could be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for response and depth in key actions.
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 Ocean 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, which is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This characteristic audio profile makes them an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their typing experience, especially on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard where acoustics are emphasized. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile switches do not have a specified sound profile available, making it difficult to directly compare their auditory qualities. Nevertheless, the sound produced by any switch will also depend on factors such as the keyboard design and the keycaps used, so there may be some inherent variability in the experience.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switches are recognized for providing a superior typing experience, which is further emphasized by the precision of the Hall Effect technology they utilize. This fusional characteristic can make typing feel smooth and responsive. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switches are not well-defined in terms of their feel, which leaves an ambiguity surrounding their tactile feedback and overall typing experience. This lack of specification may mean that users could have varying opinions when experiencing this switch type, as personal preferences heavily influence tactile perception.
In summary, the Gateron Magnetic Jade offers a bright and clacky sound, along with a smooth and responsive typing feel, making them an excellent option for enhancing the auditory and tactile experiences on a keyboard. The Outemu Ocean switches are more ambiguous, with their sound profile unspecified and their tactile characteristics not clearly defined. Users seeking clarity in both auditory feedback and typing feel may find that the Magnetic Jade provides a more predictable and enjoyable experience, while the Ocean may require personal testing to determine its suitability.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and what you prioritize in a typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter, more responsive touch and are looking for an auditory treat, the Magnetic Jade's 55 grams of bottom out force provides a satisfying clack that enhances your overall typing experience, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and typing. Its magnetic mechanism also promises impressive durability and reliability, especially for those who frequently type or game for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feel without the auditory feedback of a louder switch, or if you might favor tactile bumps over sound, the Outemu Ocean switch could be what you’re looking for, especially considering its unique qualities that cater to specific tactile preferences. Ultimately, assessing how you use your keyboard—whether for quiet typing sessions, gaming marathons, or a mix of both—will guide your decision between these two distinct switches.
Mentioned in this article
