Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the variety of mechanical keyboard switches available today, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Phalaenopsis stand out for their unique attributes, appealing to different types of users. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, known for their bright and clacky sound, are particularly attractive for those seeking a superior auditory experience alongside enhanced performance, making them an ideal choice for gamers and typists who enjoy the satisfying acoustics of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer a delightful tactile experience, allowing for an effortless typing session thanks to their light actuation force of 37g, coupled with a solid 50g tactile bump that ensures each keystroke is not only felt but enjoyable, minimizing finger fatigue even during extended use. With both options catering to distinct preferences—one for sound and performance and the other for comfort and tactile feedback—choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Phalaenopsis, we can observe that both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness. This characteristic not only enhances sound clarity and resonance but also allows for effective light diffusion when using RGB lighting. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes both switches visually appealing, particularly for users who prioritize RGB setups, as it allows the lighting to shine through beautifully. In essence, both switches will deliver similar acoustic effects due to their identical top housing material.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly. The Magnetic Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is well-known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience. This tonal quality impacts the perception of the switch during key presses, providing a robust and softer bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top housing, contributes a crisper sound profile but contrasts with the Magnetic Jade’s lower-pitched response. As a result, the sound and feel produced by the KTT switch will be brighter and more resonant when compared to the Magnetic Jade.
Given the differing materials in the bottom housings, both switches will consequently present distinct auditory experiences. The Magnetic Jade will demonstrate a more rounded and muted sound profile on bottoming out, while the Phalaenopsis will showcase a sharper sound due to its polycarbonate material. Ultimately, when considering which switch to choose, users should take into account how these material characteristics will influence their typing experience. The Magnetic Jade is likely to appeal to those seeking a more subdued acoustic profile, whereas the KTT Phalaenopsis may attract users who prefer a clearer and more pronounced sound while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Magnetic Jade has an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Phalaenopsis exhibits a slightly higher actuation force of 37 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Magnetic Jade lighter in terms of actuation, which may appeal to users seeking comfort for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the KTT Phalaenopsis, with its heavier actuation force, provides a more substantial typing experience, catering to those who prefer a firmer push feel. Ultimately, although both switches feature distinct actuation forces, the Magnetic Jade's actuation force of 30 grams contributes to a lighter typing experience compared to the heavier feel of the KTT Phalaenopsis.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, a distinct difference is evident. The Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Phalaenopsis features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Magnetic Jade provides a shorter, more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses and faster response times. Conversely, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Phalaenopsis allows for a more substantial tactile experience, catering to users who prefer a deeper feedback when typing. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Magnetic Jade is the better option, whereas if you enjoy a more pronounced depth while typing, the Phalaenopsis is preferable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
The Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 terms of sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch offers a bright and clacky auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more lively typing environment. This engaging sound profile contrasts with the KTT Phalaenopsis, which produces a bassy and thocky noise during key presses. The Phalaenopsis's deeper, richer sound gives it a satisfying resonance that can be very appealing. However, it’s essential to note that sound can be influenced by additional factors, such as the keyboard's build and choice of keycaps, which means that both switches can deliver unique audio experiences depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switch is well-regarded for its overall typing experience, but specific descriptions of its tactile characteristics are not available. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis provides a clear tactile feedback with a distinct stepped design. This means it has a recognizable tactile bump that is not overpowering, allowing for a comfortable typing experience without significant finger fatigue, particularly with its light actuation force of 37g paired with a 50g tactile force. This feature contrasts with switches that have stronger tactile feedback, making the Phalaenopsis more approachable for prolonged typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Magnetic Jade excels in producing bright and vibrant sounds, while the Phalaenopsis embraces a deeper and more resonant audio profile. On the tactile front, the Phalaenopsis provides a pleasant stepped feel, whereas the exact tactile feedback of the Magnetic Jade remains unspecified. Depending on your priorities—be it sound or feel—either switch can enhance your typing experience significantly, suggesting that your keyboard's overall configuration will play a crucial role in the final outcome.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a richer auditory experience and a satisfying clack with each keystroke, the Magnetic Jade switch is an excellent choice; its medium-light 55-gram bottom-out force and pronounced acoustics make it ideal for loud typing environments or when you simply want to enjoy a more energetic sound. Additionally, if you often find yourself upgrading your keyboard for enhanced performance or wish to optimize a Wooting Hall Effect setup, these switches are among the top choices for such applications. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter, more refined typing experience that minimizes fatigue, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch might be better suited for you. With its light actuating force of 37 grams and a 50-gram tactile bump, this switch provides a delightful and effortless typing feel, perfect for extended use during work or gaming sessions. The stepped feedback offers a subtle yet satisfying tactile response, making it a fantastic option for users who appreciate nuanced feedback without overwhelming resistance. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value auditory feedback and a substantial typing presence over a smoother, less demanding keypress.
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