Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Silent 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 the Outemu Silent Ocean offer distinct characteristics suited to different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their typing experience with superior acoustics, particularly when paired with a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean is a linear switch designed for those who prioritize quiet operation, providing a smooth keystroke without the audible feedback, making it ideal for office settings or late-night typing sessions. While both switches have their unique advantages—whether it be the Magnetic Jade's satisfying auditory feedback or the Silent Ocean's discreet functionality—it's essential to understand the fine details to determine which switch aligns with your typing style and environment. 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
45g
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
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 the Outemu Silent Ocean both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to similarities in their sound profiles. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This consistency means that both switches will exhibit a clear and resonant sound profile under similar typing conditions. Furthermore, due to polycarbonate's translucency, both switches are particularly advantageous for users who want to showcase RGB lighting, amplifying the aesthetic appeal and enhancing the visual experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, a classic material known for its unique sound absorption properties. The softness of nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it effectively dampens the vibrations produced by key presses. This shared use of nylon allows both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Silent Ocean to produce a rounder and more muted sound compared to the sharper tones created by their polycarbonate tops. Users can expect a more subdued audio experience from the bottom-out sound, making both switches appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In essence, while the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Silent Ocean differ in the materials used, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches creates a balanced typing experience. Each switch has its unique character, with the polycarbonate top contributing to the distinctive sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom softens the impact of the bottoming out. The result is an engaging typing experience that merges clarity with depth, making either choice suitable for keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate nuanced acoustic profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are distinct differences that cater to various user preferences. The Magnetic Jade boasts 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, especially during extended sessions. In contrast, the Silent Ocean has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a firmer push and a more substantial typing feel. Consequently, while the Magnetic Jade is better suited for users seeking comfort and ease, the Silent Ocean caters to individuals who appreciate a more tactile response. Ultimately, the lighter Magnetic Jade switch allows for extended periods of typing with less fatigue, whereas the heavier Silent Ocean switch offers a more robust sensation for those desiring a stronger feedback when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction highlights a key difference in their designs; the Magnetic Jade offers a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times that gamers often seek. Conversely, the Silent Ocean's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feeling of depth, which some users find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the shorter travel distance of the Magnetic Jade might be more appealing, whereas those who appreciate a more traditional depth in their keypresses might prefer the Silent Ocean switch for its extended travel distance.
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 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
In the realm of sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch is characterized by a bright and clacky auditory profile, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate an impactful acoustic feedback. This lively sound can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the tactile reassurance of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a defined sound signature provided, making it difficult to compare directly. However, it can be anticipated that linear switches generally produce less noise than clicky or tactile switches, leading to a quieter operation.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are designed to offer a superior tactile experience that many typists would find satisfying and responsive. Their mechanism allows for a smooth key press with a noticeable feedback that can enhance typing precision. In contrast, specifics regarding the feel of the Silent Ocean switch are not available. However, being a linear switch implies a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile bump or audible click that can sometimes disrupt flow, potentially leading to a more relaxed typing experience overall.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch stands out for its bright sound and superior tactile feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offers a quieter operation, though without specific descriptions of its sound and feel, it remains less defined. For users who prioritize acoustic feedback, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent choice, whereas those who prefer a more subdued typing environment may gravitate towards the Silent Ocean. Ultimately, both switch types can provide satisfying results in their respective categories, depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you favor a more tactile and auditory feedback while typing, the Magnetic Jade might be your best bet. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams combines with a bright and clacky sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively and responsive feel while typing or gaming. This switch excels in providing a superior typing experience, especially for users looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and heavier typing experience, the Silent Ocean would be more suitable with its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams. This switch is designed to minimize noise, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where sound might be a concern. Its linear feel smoothens your keystrokes without the clack of the Magnetic Jade. Thus, consider what elements you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience—whether it be the auditory excitement of the Magnetic Jade or the serene typing comfort of the Silent Ocean.
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