Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Silent Grey represent two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Magnetic Jade, a hallmark of Gateron’s innovative design, boasts a vibrant and clacky sound profile that appeals to those who cherish an auditory experience while typing, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize acoustics and a stimulating tactile feel. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey switches offer a quieter yet highly tactile feedback, ideal for those who prefer a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke without disturbing the surroundings—perfect for quiet workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. While both switches provide unique benefits, helping to elevate your typing experience, the decision ultimately hinges on whether you value pronounced acoustics or a muted, satisfying feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 the Outemu Silent Grey switches both incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar auditory characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches benefit from this material's ability to enhance clarity and resonance during key presses. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for users who want to showcase RGB lighting, as the light passes through the clear top housing effectively, creating visually appealing effects in a keyboard setup. This shared feature ensures that users of both switch types can enjoy a comparable sound experience when typing.
Contrasting the two switches, we find that their bottom housings are made of nylon, which presents a different sound characteristic compared to the top housing. Nylon is celebrated for its softer texture, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, both the Magnetic Jade and Silent Grey switches will produce sounds that are more subdued and rounded on bottom-out. In this way, the switches harmonize distinct audio profiles while utilizing different materials for top and bottom housings. The nylon base significantly influences the feel and sound upon key release, balancing out the sharper qualities introduced by the polycarbonate top.
When considering the overall performance of these two switches, it's essential to recognize that while the materials differ between the top and bottom housings, they work together to create an effective typing experience. The Magnetic Jade and Silent Grey both exhibit the benefits of polycarbonate for clarity and resonance in the upper housing, while the nylon bottom provides a fuller feel and sound when typing. Ultimately, this dual-material approach results in a well-rounded auditory experience, ensuring users appreciate the distinct characteristics of both switches, even while sharing the same fundamental housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact the typing experience. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial during prolonged use or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey comes with a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel while typing. Consequently, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option, providing a softer touch, whereas the Silent Grey stands out as the heavier choice. Users looking to enjoy extended typing periods might lean toward the Magnetic Jade, while those who appreciate a firmer keystroke would find the Silent Grey more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Magnetic Jade switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Grey switch offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance reflects a variation in switch characteristics that can significantly impact user experience. The shorter 3.5 mm distance of the Magnetic Jade can provide quicker response times, which may be advantageous for gamers seeking an efficient and rapid keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Grey's 4 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a more pronounced feedback and depth in their typing experience. Therefore, choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference for either speed or a more tactile 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 Silent Grey 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 switch presents a bright and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy an audible feedback during their typing sessions. This acoustic profile not only enhances the overall experience but also adds a lively essence to the act of typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is designed with discretion in mind, featuring a quiet sound characteristic that allows for a more subdued environment. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer to keep their keystrokes less intrusive, particularly in quieter settings like offices or shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switch provides a dynamic experience marked by a satisfying tactile bump alongside a smooth keystroke. This combination elevates the typing sensation, making it engaging and responsive for the user. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch is designed to deliver a pronounced tactile feedback that focuses on imparting a sense of solidity with each press without the accompanying noise. The smooth keystroke further enhances the experience, allowing for swift and comfortable typing sessions without any distractions, making it ideal for extended use.
In conclusion, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Silent Grey switches cater to distinct preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you seek a vibrant auditory experience and tactile engagement, the Magnetic Jade offers a bright, clacky sound paired with dynamic feedback. Conversely, if you prioritize quietness coupled with tactile satisfaction, the Silent Grey provides a discreet typing experience with pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value acoustic presence or silent efficiency in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as well as your intended usage scenario. If you prioritize a lively auditory experience and a responsive typing feel, the Magnetic Jade switches might be the superior choice for you, especially if you enjoy the clacky sound that adds an energetic vibe to your typing. Their medium-light 55g actuation force allows for quicker keystrokes, making them ideal for gamers seeking swift actions or typists who love a more expressive sound. Conversely, if you need a quieter and more understated environment, such as in an office setting or during late-night typing sessions, the Silent Grey switches would be more appropriate. With a heavier 65g actuation force and a pronounced tactile bump, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value auditory feedback and lighter keystrokes or prefer a more subdued, tactile experience that’s gentle on the ears.
Mentioned in this article
