Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular contenders stand out: the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Purple Star. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is renowned for its engaging bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent option for users looking to enhance their auditory typing experience, particularly on Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. Its appealing acoustics make it a top choice for those seeking a premium feel in their typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches feature an all-POM construction that ensures a buttery smooth keystroke, paired with a neutral sound signature that doesn't distract from your workflow. With a very light 45g bottom-out pressure, these switches are ideal for light typists who value comfort and ease of use. While both options offer unique benefits—be it the lively auditory feedback of the Magnetic Jade or the smooth action of the Purple Star—choosing the right switch ultimately depends on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Purple Star switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which greatly influences their respective sound profiles. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness. This characteristic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The clarity offered by polycarbonate allows for an impactful acoustic experience, particularly when paired with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances visual effects. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing, leading to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials impact the sound emitted from the switch, the nature of their construction results in distinct auditory experiences when typing.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches diverge further in their material choices. The Magnetic Jade employs a nylon bottom housing, which is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. Nylon's softer composition adds a duller quality to the sound, making every keystroke feel round and substantially different from the polycarbonate counterpart. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star also features a POM bottom housing, known for delivering sound profiles that are similar in their muted and deep characteristics but diverging in texture and feel when typing. This similarity in bottom housing material between the KTT Purple Star and Magnetic Jade highlights how both switches can create pleasing auditory experiences, though the specific tactile feedback during typing will vary due to their differing top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Magnetic Jade and KTT Purple Star switches results in varying tactile and audible experiences. In terms of sound, while the Magnetic Jade's polycarbonate top brings clarity and sharpness, the Purple Star’s POM top introduces a more subdued and velvety quality. However, the bottom housing’s material, with nylon in the Magnetic Jade and POM in the Purple Star, means that both switches may produce a rewarding sound for those who appreciate deeper tones. This blending of materials ensures that users can appreciate a distinctive typing experience; the Nylon bottom on the Magnetic Jade enhances the overall depth while the POM bottom on the Purple Star maintains a consistent, muted pleasure throughout.
Weight
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, which enables easier key presses, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Purple Star has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams, giving it a more substantial feel during use. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Magnetic Jade's is 55 grams, which is notably heavier than the Purple Star's 50 grams. This means that while the Magnetic Jade requires less force to register a key press, it demands more effort when fully bottoming out. Ultimately, those who lean towards lighter switches may prefer the Magnetic Jade for ease and comfort, while users who enjoy a firmer typing experience might gravitate towards the Purple Star.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning they travel the same distance when pressed down. This identical travel distance results in a similar tactile experience for users, providing consistent feedback and feel during use. Since both switches share this measurement, users can expect comparable performance in terms of travel distance, making either option suitable for those seeking a consistent keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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 known for producing a bright and clacky sound, creating an engaging auditory experience that appeals to users who appreciate a more vibrant typing environment. This sound profile is ideal for those seeking a lively acoustics upgrade, particularly in the context of a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound signature. This results in a more mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience, providing a neutral sound that keeps things discreet yet pleasant. Depending on the overall setup involving keycaps and the keyboard itself, both switch types can offer distinct yet enjoyable sound profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switches are recognized for their superior typing experience, though specific details on their tactile feedback remain open. However, the KTT Purple Star switches deliver a mild typing sensation, making them approachable for a wide range of typists. They require minimal force to activate, making them easy to press, which significantly reduces fatigue during long typing sessions. This gentle resistance fosters a comfortable yet responsive typing experience, making the Purple Star switches ideal for light typists. The contrasting characteristics suggest that users will find different levels of engagement and comfort when interacting with each switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Purple Star switches present unique advantages tailored to distinct typing experiences. The Magnetic Jade excels with its bright and clacky sound, promoting a lively auditory feedback while offering an engaging feel. In contrast, the Purple Star focuses on creating a low-pitched, neutral sound coupled with a very light and smooth actuation, making it particularly user-friendly for extended periods. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, you may find joy in either option, but expect distinctly different experiences tailored to your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switches and the KTT Purple Star linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you're someone who values a bright, clacky sound and seeks an engaging auditory experience, the Magnetic Jade switches will likely be your go-to choice. Their medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback while still being comfortable for extended typing sessions, making them ideal if you're looking to upgrade an acoustic experience on your Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more subtle typing feel, the KTT Purple Star switches are perfect for you. With their lightweight bottom-out force of just 50 grams, they are easy to press and allow for rapid typing without causing fatigue. Their neutral sound signature, combined with an all-POM construction, offers a gentle and friendly typing environment, suited for casual typists or gamers who favor a soft yet responsive feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize sound and tactile engagement or a smooth, low-effort typing experience.
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