Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular contenders are the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Durock Piano switches. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, known for their hall effect technology, provide a bright and clacky sound profile, making them an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their keyboard's acoustics and overall typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches offer a silky-smooth linear feel, characterized by a gliding push and a deep, creamy sound signature that caters to those who prefer a more subtle auditory experience while typing. Both switches have their unique offerings: the Magnetic Jade excels in delivering superior sound and tactile feedback, while the Piano switch stands out for its pleasing linear smoothness and rich tonal quality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Durock Piano switches provide distinct acoustic profiles influenced by their respective blends of plastics. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This clarity can be particularly pronounced in the top housing, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as the light scatters beautifully through the clear polycarbonate. In contrast, the Durock Piano's top housing is made from a proprietary POM blend, which, while unique, is known for offering a sound that is distinctly satisfying yet deeper than the Magnetic Jade's. This divergence in material composition results in different auditory experiences, even though both switches have a refined quality.
The bottom housing of both models further emphasizes their contrasting sound characteristics. The Magnetic Jade utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a material traditionally associated with a softer, deeper sound profile. This softness absorbs sound, leading to a fuller acoustic experience which significantly enhances the bottom-out sound when the switch is fully pressed down. On the other hand, the Durock Piano also employs a POM blend for its bottom housing, which, similar to its top housing, contributes to a deep sound profile. However, since the exact formulation of the Durock's POM blend is undisclosed, it remains challenging to pinpoint how it compares directly with the nylon in the Magnetic Jade in terms of sound absorption and resonance.
Ultimately, both switches exhibit complementary qualities that reflect their housing materials, resulting in a unique typing experience. While the Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top brings a sharpness that contrasts with the deep softness of its nylon bottom, the Durock Piano's POM blend in both top and bottom housings creates a more uniform sound profile with satisfying depth. Users can expect a distinctly different acoustic performance from each switch based on these variations, influenced by how the tops and bottoms interact with their respective materials. Therefore, while both switches promise high-quality sound profiles, their differing compositions ensure that users will experience a unique auditory landscape with each design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are notable differences. The Magnetic Jade features an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch does not specify an actuation force, but has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This indicates that while the Gateron switch is lighter overall, the Durock switch offers a more robust feel at the bottom. Consequently, typists seeking a heavier, more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Durock Piano switch, whereas those who prioritize lighter keystrokes for prolonged use would likely prefer the Magnetic Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Piano has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Gateron switch, you will experience a shorter keypress, which can provide a more responsive feel often favored by gamers seeking quick reaction times. Conversely, the Durock switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for quicker actuation, the Magnetic Jade would be the better choice; if you enjoy deeper keypresses, the Piano would suit you better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 emits a bright and clacky tone, creating an engaging auditory experience that can invigorate your typing sessions. This lively sound is particularly suited for those who enjoy more pronounced acoustic feedback, making it an excellent fit for users looking to enhance their keyboard's auditory appeal. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches deliver a deep and creamy sound signature, enriched by their bassy characteristics. This deeper sound profile contributes a more subdued yet richly resonant audio experience, providing a satisfying backdrop to your keystrokes. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall experience, though the Magnetic Jade leans toward a more high-pitched and percussive tone while the Piano brings bass and depth.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is noted for its smooth operation, offering a tactile response that many typists find gratifying. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their frictionless and silky characteristics. The combination of a gliding push feel and an absence of resistance creates a remarkably effortless typing experience, enhancing the sensation of fluidity throughout key presses. While both switches aim for a comfortable typing experience, the Magnetic Jade might offer more tactile feedback compared to the ultra-smooth and frictionless nature of the Piano switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Durock Piano switches bring distinct sound and feel qualities, catering to different preferences among typists. The Magnetic Jade’s bright and clacky sound contrasts with the Piano’s richer, bassy tone, appealing to users who prefer either a more pronounced auditory experience or a deeper resonance. Meanwhile, the Magnetic Jade's satisfying smoothness aligns with the Durock Piano's exceptionally fluid and effortless action, illustrating how personal typing style can significantly influence the choice between these two excellent switches. Ultimately, a similar typing experience can be achieved through thoughtful customization, such as keycap selection and board design, ensuring that both types of switches cater to the diverse preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Durock Piano linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you're someone who enjoys a lighter tactile response with a bright, clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams makes it more forgiving for fast typists and gamers alike, especially if you're looking to upgrade your Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. The lively acoustics of the Jade add an engaging auditory dimension to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a sturdier and more robust feel during your key presses, the Durock Piano switch, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, might be the better choice for you. The Piano switches are celebrated for their frictionless and silky smooth travel, making them incredibly pleasant for lengthy typing sessions. They offer a deeper, bassy sound profile that captures a rich auditory experience, ideal for those who appreciate a more substantive acoustic feedback as they type. In the end, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards a lighter, more vibrant typing experience with the Magnetic Jade or favor the weightier, balanced feel of the Durock Piano.
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