Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Jerrzi Poseidon each present unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, provides a bright and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent option for users seeking a superior auditory experience alongside enhanced tactile feedback. This switch is particularly suitable for those wanting to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards, as it is celebrated for its improved acoustics and overall typing satisfaction. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon, categorized as a linear switch, offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that is ideal for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a quieter, more refined typing experience without the tactile bump or click of other switch types. While both options cater to different needs—clacky and acoustic versus smooth and subdued—they both deliver quality performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Jerrzi Poseidon, it's evident that they utilize different top housing materials that yield distinct auditory profiles. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This material's translucent properties also make it particularly suitable for RGB lighting, enhancing visual appeal while allowing for clear sound projection. In contrast, the Poseidon employs a POM top housing, known for its unique sound characteristics that lean towards a deeper, more muted auditory experience. So while both switches serve to amplify sound in their own ways, the Magnetic Jade offers a crisper output typical of polycarbonate, whereas the Poseidon creates a warmer, more subdued sound due to its POM construction.
Delving into the bottom housing, both switches once again diverge in material choice. The Magnetic Jade opts for a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic choice in the switch community due to its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a fuller and deeper profile. This characteristic is significant in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when a switch is pressed. Conversely, the Poseidon uses a POM bottom housing like the top, leading to a sound profile that is pleasant yet deeper and more muted. The similarity here lies in the POM material’s consistency across both housing components, which produces a cohesive sound experience. The softer nylon used in the Magnetic Jade’s bottom housing, however, allows those switches to bring a rounder quality to the typing experience.
Ultimately, these distinctions in housing materials suggest that each switch will deliver a unique typing experience shaped by its individual components. The Magnetic Jade's combination of polycarbonate and nylon provides a contrast between a bright, articulate sound and a deeper, fuller response, emphasizing the sharpness of the top housing and the richness of the bottom housing. Meanwhile, the Poseidon, with both top and bottom housing made of POM, could achieve a more uniform auditory consistency, favoring overall depth and muteness in sound. Therefore, although there are parallels in their sound profiles, particularly in how they handle lower frequencies, the varied materials and their positioning within the switch fundamentally influence the tactile and auditory feedback perceived by the user, leading to different experiences altogether despite some overlapping characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall effect switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which is ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Poseidon requires a heavier actuation force of 40 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. However, the Poseidon’s bottom out force is not specified, leaving a gap in understanding its overall performance in terms of keystroke completion. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade's bottom out force is set at 55 grams, signifying that while it retains a medium-light feel during actuation, it provides a firmer resistance when bottoming out. This suggests that if you're after a lighter touch for efficiency, the Magnetic Jade is the better choice, while those desiring more resistance may find the Poseidon preferable, assuming the bottom out force is comparable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, we find that the Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Poseidon measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This slight difference means that if you prioritize responsiveness and quick actuation, the Poseidon might be the preferable choice due to its shorter distance, which can enhance reaction times—especially beneficial for gamers. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial tactile feedback for those who appreciate a deeper key press. Ultimately, while both switches provide a similar typing experience, the Gateron Magnetic Jade offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better fit for users who prefer a more pronounced key action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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
The Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch is renowned for its bright and clacky sound, making it an attractive option for those seeking an engaging auditory experience. This sound profile contributes to an energetic typing atmosphere, ideal for both typing and gaming, as it provides feedback that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch does not have a defined sound characterization available; therefore, we cannot establish its auditory qualities. Overall, while the Magnetic Jade definitely stands out in its sound quality, the Poseidon’s acoustic properties remain uncertain and would likely vary based on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Magnetic Jade is noted for its responsive and tactile nature, which enhances the typing experience by providing feedback that users can physically sense with each press. This responsive feel encourages a more deliberate typing style, often preferred by users who enjoy a degree of engagement in their keystrokes. The specifics of the Jerrzi Poseidon’s tactile feel are currently unknown, which leaves some ambiguity in comparing the two. This lack of information suggests that users may not experience the same level of tactile feedback as offered by the Magnetic Jade.
In conclusion, the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch excels in providing a vibrant sound and an engaging feel, making it a favored choice for keyboard enthusiasts who value both auditory and tactile satisfaction. The Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch presents an unknown factor in both sound and feel, which may lead to varied experiences depending on user preference and setup. For those who prioritize a dynamic typing experience, the Magnetic Jade is likely to deliver, while the Poseidon’s performance remains to be fully defined.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, your decision should ultimately align with your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a medium-light feel with a bright and clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent choice, especially suited for those looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard with a superior typing experience and rich acoustics. Its 55-gram bottom out force allows for a balance of tactile responsiveness without being overly strenuous on your fingers, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother, more linear typing experience without the specifications and nuances of bottom out force, the Poseidon might appeal to you, provided that there is more information available regarding its characteristics. In essence, if you’re after a lively acoustic profile coupled with a comfortable feel, go for the Magnetic Jade; but if you lean towards an undefined yet potentially smoother ride in your keyboard experience, keep an eye on the Jerrzi Poseidon for future developments. Your ultimate choice will hinge on whether you value sound and tactile feedback or a more seamless typing action.
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