Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Purple Click switches present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright, clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who desire not only enhanced acoustics but also a superior typing experience—ideal for those looking to elevate their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch, characterized by its high-pitched and satisfying click, offers a light keystroke with a pronounced tactility that strikes a balance between feedback and comfort. This clicky switch is particularly suited for typists who enjoy an invigorating and resonant typing experience without overwhelming distractions. Both switches cater to unique preferences—whether you prioritize acoustics and smooth operation or a pronounced click and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Purple Click both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences the sound profile of each switch. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffer properties, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This similarity in housing materials ensures that users will enjoy a comparable acoustic performance when pressing the keys. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for those who want to illuminate their keyboard with RGB lighting. Thus, if you're looking for a vibrant and visually appealing keyboard experience, you can expect similar results from both switches due to their shared top housing material.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Magnetic Jade and Purple Click differ, with each switch featuring nylon for this component. Nylon is characterized as a classic choice for switch housing materials, offering a distinctively deeper and fuller sound profile because it is a softer plastic. This property allows nylon to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a sound signature that is duller and rounder. Consequently, while both switches provide a cohesive sound experience with their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms will give them contrasting auditory qualities. This means that when typing, users may perceive the Magnetic Jade's deeper sound as more enveloping, while the Purple Click may provide a smooth, more rounded acoustic feedback.
The distinction in bottom materials highlights how each switch's overall performance is a blend of both its top and bottom housings. The Magnetic Jade, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, will produce a clearer release sound paired with a fuller bottom-out sound, contributing to a complex auditory experience. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click will offer a similarly sharp response when a key is pressed but will deliver a somewhat softer bottom-out sound due to the nylon housing. This interplay between the materials results in each switch maintaining a unique character while still being rooted in familiar acoustic properties. Ultimately, users can select based on their preferences for how they want their keyboard to sound — whether they favor a more pronounced top-end or a thumping, resonant base sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the KTT Purple Click switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces while their bottom out forces are the same. The Magnetic Jade requires an actuation force of 30 grams, making it the lighter option, whereas the Purple Click has a heavier actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that regardless of the actuation force, they will feel similar when fully depressed. For typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Magnetic Jade would be the more comfortable choice. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel will likely gravitate toward the KTT Purple Click due to its heavier actuation force, which caters to a stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, the differences are clear: the Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Purple Click has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Magnetic Jade, you'll experience a snappier response due to its shorter travel distance, ideal for gamers who prefer quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial and tactile feedback, which some users find more satisfying for typing and general use. Therefore, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the better choice, while the KTT Purple Click caters to those who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 switches are characterized by a bright and clacky acoustic profile, making them an excellent option for users who appreciate a prominent sound while typing. This sharp sound can make each keystroke feel distinct, enhancing the overall typing experience, especially on keyboards designed to optimize their acoustic properties. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switches produce a unique, crunchy noise that is often likened to stepping on autumn leaves. This sound is complemented by a resonant and clean high-pitched tone, providing an immersive auditory experience. Both switches deliver distinct and satisfying sounds, making them appealing for users who enjoy auditory feedback, although they cater to slightly different auditory preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer a typing experience that is likely to be both responsive and engaging. The specifics of their tactile feedback may not be detailed, but they are designed to upgrade the keyboard experience, implying a satisfactory level of immersion and reactivity during use. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switches present an invigorating feel characterized by pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This provides a snappy and reactive typing sensation, allowing for an enjoyable typing rhythm. Additionally, the stepped nature of the Purple Click gives it a unique two-stage feel, combining elements of both pre-travel and post-travel feedback for a subtle yet engaging tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Purple Click switches deliver distinct auditory and tactile experiences, making them strong contenders for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Magnetic Jade focuses on bright clackiness and a general upgrade in typing enjoyment, while the Purple Click switches provide a satisfying crunch and resonant sound with invigorating feedback. Depending on personal preference for sound and tactile feel, users might choose one over the other, but both offer unique qualities that can satisfy different aspects of the mechanical typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switches and the KTT Purple Click clicky switches, you should consider your typing preferences and sound sensitivity. If you seek a clacky, resonant sound that elevates your auditory experience while typing, the Magnetic Jade switches are an excellent choice, especially for those looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. They offer a bright and lively acoustic profile that can make typing feel more engaging. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct and satisfying click without overwhelming tactile feedback, the KTT Purple Click switches will likely serve you better. Their crunchy and invigorating feel provides a balanced yet snappy experience, making each keypress feel rewarding. With both switches offering a medium-light actuation force, choosing between them ultimately hinges on whether you prefer the sharper, more pronounced tactical response of the Purple Click or the smooth yet resonant sound of the Magnetic Jade. By reflecting on these characteristics, you can make an informed decision that matches your personal typing style and auditory preferences.
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