Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Peach each offer distinct advantages that appeal to different typing preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches stand out with their bright and clacky sound, making them an excellent choice for users looking to enhance the acoustic quality of their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. Known for delivering a superior typing experience, these switches are ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and strong auditory cues. On the other hand, KTT Peach switches provide a syrupy smooth feel that exemplifies the best characteristics of linear switches. With a deep, thocky sound profile, the Peaches cater to users who prefer quieter operation and a seamless keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on whether you prioritize enhanced acoustics and feedback or smooth, muted typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Peach switches share remarkable similarities, particularly in their top housing, which is made from polycarbonate. Both switches leverage the properties of polycarbonate to achieve a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This notable characteristic arises from the stiffness of the polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing in setups that utilize lighting as a design element. Hence, when it comes to the sound profile and aesthetics, both the Magnetic Jade and KTT Peach switches are likely to produce comparable results due to their identical top housing material.
Conversely, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, which introduces a distinctly different auditory profile to the overall sound experience. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This dampening effect gives the switches a rounder auditory output when typing, as the nylon housing absorbs the impact noise generated during key presses. While the top housing contributes to the higher-pitched sound of the key release, the bottom housing is responsible for the fuller sound produced when the switch is bottomed out. Therefore, the combination of nylon for the bottom housing and polycarbonate for the top creates a balanced sound profile unique to each switch, despite their shared material in the top housing.
In summary, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Peach switches use the same materials for their top and bottom housings (polycarbonate and nylon, respectively), the distinct interplay of these materials produces a rich sound profile that reflects their individual characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the crispness and sharpness of sound when releasing keys, while the nylon bottom housing contributes depth and fullness during key presses. Together, these materials allow for an engaging typing experience while simultaneously offering visually appealing RGB lighting possibilities, proving that even with similar materials, the auditory outcomes can vary significantly based on the roles of each housing section.
Weight
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the KTT Peach linear switch present distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces, which impact their overall typing experience. The Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it feel more effortless during typing, which is beneficial for long sessions at work or gaming. Conversely, the KTT Peach requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while its bottom out force is slightly lower at 53 grams. This difference in actuation force suggests that while the Peach offers a more substantial push feel, it may not be as comfortable for extended use compared to the Magnetic Jade. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter option, the Gateron Magnetic Jade would be the superior choice, whereas the KTT Peach may appeal to those seeking a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Peach linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Magnetic Jade, being the shorter switch, may offer gamers and those who favor faster response times a more immediate feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Peach, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more substantial feel, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced depth while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: if you lean towards quick and responsive action, the Magnetic Jade may be your ideal option, whereas if you enjoy a more traditionally hearty keystroke experience, the KTT Peach would be the better pick.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00, whereas the KTT Peach comes in at $2.91.
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, making them a vivid choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This sound profile is characterized by its high-pitched tones, creating an engaging and lively typing experience, particularly appealing for gamers and typists who enjoy a more dynamic audio environment. In contrast, the KTT Peach switches deliver a low-pitched thocky sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. This deeper tone provides a calming acoustic atmosphere, making it suitable for quieter environments where distraction should be minimized. The Peach's neutral sound profile complements its linear nature, ensuring that while these switches may not disrupt your surroundings, they still provide satisfying auditory feedback during use.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Magnetic Jade is noted for its superior typing experience, likely offering a tactile response that enhances engagement, although specifics are not provided. Meanwhile, the KTT Peach switches are described as offering a mild feel, providing an approachable and gentle typing experience. This middle-ground quality makes the Peach switches versatile, accommodating both novice and experienced users alike. While the Magnetic Jade may deliver a more dynamic tactile experience, the Peach’s smooth operation is designed for ease of use, making it a solid choice for long typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Peach switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, appealing to various types of users. The Magnetic Jade leans toward users who enjoy a bright, engaging auditory experience paired with potentially enhanced tactile feedback, while the Peach offers a smoother, quieter typing experience characterized by its mellow sound and mild feel. Depending on your personal tastes and typing environment, both switches can deliver satisfactory results, whether you're drawn to the clacky brightness of the Magnetic Jade or the deep thocky presence of the KTT Peach.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switches and KTT Peach linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you are on the hunt for a switch that provides a bright, clacky sound and caters to a superior typing experience, especially if you're using a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, the Magnetic Jade is your best bet. It offers a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions while providing a unique auditory experience that enhances the overall feel of your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach switches may be the better option for you. Their 53-gram bottom-out force and mild characteristics allow for a more gentle and approachable typing feel, making them versatile for any environment, whether you're at home or in the office. In the end, consider what aspects are most important to you—sound, feel, or even specific keyboard compatibility—to make the best choice between these two appealing options.