Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple stand out for their unique characteristics and user experiences. The Magnetic Jade switch, known for its bright and clacky sound, offers an immersive auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. It is an excellent choice for those prioritizing superior acoustics and a thrilling typing feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch shines with its pronounced tactile bump that not only provides a satisfying typing experience but also delivers a snappy sound profile, making it ideal for users who enjoy a clear feedback mechanism while typing. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—one leaning towards acoustic delight and the other emphasizing tactile responsiveness—they each bring something special to the table. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s perfect for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches share a commonality in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, which is especially beneficial for enthusiasts of tactile feedback. Due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, both switches deliver a clearer and more resonant sound when pressed. Furthermore, the translucence of the polycarbonate top housing makes these switches ideal for setups utilizing RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing aesthetic while maintaining performance integrity. This similarity in top housing ensures that users can expect comparable auditory results in terms of sound clarity and brightness.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing of the two switches presents a significant difference, with the Magnetic Jade employing nylon while the Polaris Purple maintains the use of polycarbonate. Nylon, characterized as a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound waves and resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Polaris Purple continues to evoke a clearer, crisper sound profile akin to its top housing. This divergence between the soft nylon bottom of the Magnetic Jade and the hard polycarbonate bottom of the Polaris Purple leads to different tactile experiences and sound characteristics when the key is bottomed out, illustrating the impact of housing materials on performance.
In essence, the tactile experiences and sound outputs from both the Magnetic Jade and Polaris Purple switches will be influenced not only by the top housing material but also by the bottom housing's properties. While both switches will produce sharp and crisp sound responses during actuation due to the commonality of polycarbonate in the top housing, users will perceive a distinct contrast in the bottom-out feel and sound. The nylon of the Magnetic Jade will offer a deeper and fuller typing experience, while the Polaris Purple will sustain the sharp clarity throughout both the key press and release phases. Users can expect varied outcomes based on their preferences for sound and tactile feel, regardless of the shared top housing characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces illustrate varying typing experiences. The Magnetic Jade features an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel, although its actuation force remains unspecified. Consequently, the Magnetic Jade provides a lighter touch, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer feel, while the Polaris Purple's more substantial bottom out force may appeal to users seeking a firmer typing experience. Therefore, if you favor lighter switches for comfort, the Magnetic Jade would be the preferred choice, whereas the heavier Polaris Purple may better satisfy those who desire a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we find a clear distinction between the two. The Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a shorter option, while the Polaris Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, thus offering a longer experience. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Magnetic Jade's 3.5 mm travel distance can provide a more immediate tactile feedback. In contrast, those who favor a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes might prefer the Polaris Purple for its longer 4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus the depth of the keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch stands out with its bright and clacky auditory profile, making it an exciting option for those who enjoy a lively keyboard experience. This sound signature is especially emphasized when using it on compatible boards, offering an upgrade in acoustics that many find appealing. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch features a more neutral sound profile characterized as snappy, which provides a moderate sound experience suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. While the Magnetic Jade excels in creating a vibrant soundscape, the Polaris Purple adopts a milder tone that accommodates users seeking less auditory distraction.
In terms of feel, the Magnetic Jade's tactile experience is not fully detailed; however, the Polaris Purple is noted for its significant tactile bump, delivering an exhilarating typing experience that many users find satisfying. The Polaris Purple also embodies a mild quality, making it approachable for everyone, including beginners and seasoned typists. Additionally, the polished nature of the Polaris Purple ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, characterized by reduced friction and consistent key travel. This establishes a distinct tactile experience, most likely in contrast to the Magnetic Jade, which may lean toward a more linear type of feel.
Overall, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Magnetic Jade offers a bright and exciting auditory experience, while the Polaris Purple provides a more neutral sound with a pronounced tactile feedback. The Polaris Purple's smooth and polished feel may appeal to those who value both comfort and performance. Therefore, if you prefer lively acoustics, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent choice, whereas the Polaris Purple is ideal for those favoring a balanced typing experience with a snappy touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switches and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the type of typing experience you desire. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a bright, clacky acoustic profile combined with a medium-light bottom-out force, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent option, especially for those who seek a more dynamic sound while typing. This makes it particularly well-suited for gamers or typists who enjoy a more exuberant auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and a medium-heavy actuation force that provides an exhilarating typing experience, the Polaris Purple would be your go-to choice. Its polished and mild characteristics yield a refined feel that's approachable and pleasant for extended typing sessions, making it an ideal option for both home and workplace environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual typing style and environment; whether you value the lively soundscape of the Magnetic Jade or the smooth and tactile feedback of the Polaris Purple, each switch offers unique benefits to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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