Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can dramatically influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switch stands out with its hall effect technology, delivering a bright and clacky sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts looking to enhance the auditory pleasure of typing. This switch is particularly suited for gamers and typists aiming for a premium feel and acoustics, especially when upgrading a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quieter, tactile experience. Known for its “thocky” sound, this switch ensures a satisfying feedback loop with each keystroke while minimizing disruptive noise, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—one emphasizing sound and range with vibrant feedback and the other prioritizing a stealthy yet tactile experience—each has its merits depending on your typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Silent Yellow Jade, a distinct divergence in the choice of materials for the top housing becomes apparent. The Magnetic Jade utilizes polycarbonate for its upper housing, which is known for its rigidity and transparency. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideally suited for setups that incorporate RGB lighting due to its clear aesthetics. On the flip side, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its softer properties, which dampens sound and creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. Thus, while both switches can provide satisfying tactile experiences, the aural characteristics differ significantly owing to the differing qualities of polycarbonate and nylon.
In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a commonality between them. This choice aids in fostering a deep and rich sound profile, as nylon's softer texture absorbs much of the sound, leading to a rounder acoustics during typing. Since both switches utilize the same material for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar depth and fullness in sound regardless of which switch they choose. This shared nylon composition means that the overall sound signature, particularly on the bottom-out action during typing, will have consistent qualities across both models.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials lend unique attributes to each switch. For the Gateron Magnetic Jade, the polycarbonate top provides a brighter sound, particularly noticeable upon releasing a key, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade benefits from the mellow acoustic properties of nylon, enveloping the typing experience in a more muted, subdued atmosphere. Users seeking a sharper, more transparent sound might gravitate toward the Magnetic Jade, while those who prefer a deeper, richer auditory profile may find the Silent Yellow Jade more to their liking. The combination of these materials results in varied yet customizable sound experiences, allowing users to select based on their personal preferences and typing needs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we observe a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions due to its low resistance. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that appeals to those who prefer a stronger push. Therefore, for typists and gamers looking for a lighter switch, the Magnetic Jade would be the better choice, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade is more appropriate for users who desire a firmer feedback when pressing keys. Overall, the difference in weight indicates that the two switches cater to different preferences, offering various experiences based on the user's typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the longer of the two switches, offering a more pronounced feel when pressed. The difference of 0.2 mm may seem minor, but it can influence the overall typing experience. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who favor a more substantial keypress might find the Magnetic Jade more satisfying. Consequently, if you seek more responsiveness, you would benefit from the Silent Yellow Jade, whereas the Magnetic Jade would cater to those who prefer a heartier depth in their keystrokes.
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 Yellow Jade 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 that many enthusiasts find appealing, particularly when upgrading a keyboard like the Wooting Hall Effect. This sound profile delivers a vibrant auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, making each keypress feel more engaging and lively. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a much quieter operation, characterized by a satisfying "thocky" sound. The sound dampening features of these switches help minimize audible distractions, making them ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. However, it's worth noting that the acoustic qualities of both switches can still vary based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, so some experimentation may be required to achieve the desired sound.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switches are celebrated for their tactile feedback, providing a distinct and noticeable bump at actuation that can contribute to a more intentional typing experience. This tactile response is a key feature for those who enjoy a direct connection to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switches also offer a tactile sensation but in a quieter manner, ensuring that the feedback is present without the accompanying noise of a typical tactile switch. Their factory lubrication enhances the feel, resulting in a smoother keystroke while maintaining that punchy tactile bump. Both switches deliver different tactile experiences, catering to varying preferences for typing feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches reveal two distinct approaches to mechanical keyboard design, each with its own strengths. The Magnetic Jade provides a lively and bright auditory experience with pronounced tactile feedback, making it well-suited for those who enjoy an expressive typing atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Silent Yellow Jade balances tactile enjoyment with a quieter sound, appealing to users who prefer a less disruptive typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying feel of a tactile switch. Depending on your specific preferences regarding sound and feedback, either of these switches can provide a gratifying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a more lively and expressive typing experience with a bright and clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade would be your ideal option, especially if you're looking to upgrade a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, if you prefer a quieter environment and a more muted but satisfying tactile feedback, the Silent Yellow Jade is your go-to switch. With a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, it provides a solid feel while maintaining a reduced noise level, making it perfect for office settings or shared spaces where you don’t want to disturb others. Thus, your choice should be guided by whether you value an energetic and responsive typing experience or a hushed yet tactile interaction.
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