Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Quinn offer two distinct pathways for enhancing your typing experience. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright clacky sound, making it an excellent upgrade for enthusiasts looking to elevate their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. This switch promises not only superior acoustics but also a premium typing feel, catering to those who prioritize auditory feedback and overall performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch combines a unique blend of light switch-like tactility with a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housing. Users can expect a crisp tactile bump with each keystroke, making typing an immersive and enjoyable experience. While the Magnetic Jade excels in providing a lively auditory profile, the Quinn impresses with its polished tactile feedback and rich sound. Both switches have their own appeal, depending on whether you desire a sharp auditory experience or a smooth tactile interaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Quinn, a definitive distinction arises from their construction. The Gateron Magnetic Jade employs a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, which collectively influence the sound signature and tactile experience of the switch. The polycarbonate material is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This quality is particularly advantageous in RGB lighting scenarios, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn features a nylon top housing paired with a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a distinct sound signature that tends to be deeper and fuller. The softness of the nylon in both the top and bottom of the Quinn leads to a sound profile that is rounder and may absorb more sound, making it sound more subdued compared to the sharper tones of the Magnetic Jade.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a more consistent sound experience. In both the Magnetic Jade and Quinn, the nylon housing's properties provide a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, leading to a rich and smooth typing experience. Since nylon is known to dampen sound due to its softer composition, users engaging with either switch will appreciate the deeper and fuller auditory feedback attributable to the nylon in the bottom housings. This similarity in bottom housing echoes a generally pleasant typing experience; however, the impact on sound will vary upon the actuation and release due to the contrasting top materials.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Gateron Quinn creates a spectrum of potential auditory profiles that can satisfy different user preferences. While the Magnetic Jade offers a crisper and more pronounced sound signature thanks to its polycarbonate top, the Quinn delivers a well-rounded and deeper feel with its identical nylon composition throughout. Hence, for users seeking vibrant RPG lighting effects and a sharper typing sound, the Magnetic Jade may be more appealing. Conversely, typists desiring a softer and more muted auditory feedback may find the Quinn more suitable. Ultimately, understanding the distinct roles each material plays allows users to tailor their switches to their specific typing styles and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where ease of keystroke is paramount. In contrast, the Quinn features a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial tactile feedback that some users prefer for a robust typing experience. As a result, those who favor lighter switches would find the Magnetic Jade more appealing, while those who enjoy a firmer keypress would likely opt for the Quinn. Overall, the differences highlight a clear preference based on typing style: the Magnetic Jade is aimed at users seeking comfort during extensive use, while the Quinn caters to those who appreciate a more forceful push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we find that the Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly longer than the Quinn's travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that users who opt for the Magnetic Jade can anticipate a more pronounced keypress experience, which some may find offers a satisfying depth that enhances the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Quinn’s slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a quicker response time, aligning with the trend toward shorter key travels, especially favored by gamers. Overall, while both switches provide a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, the Magnetic Jade's 3.5 mm travel is marginally greater than the Quinn's 3.4 mm, catering to different user preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 switches are known for their bright, clacky acoustic profile, delivering a lively and sharp auditory experience that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. This clackiness makes them ideal for those who love a pronounced sound with each keystroke, adding an engaging element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switches offer a unique soundscape characterized by a deep, resonant profile that falls into a bassier sound range, providing a rich auditory experience. The Quinn's design, featuring nylon housings, allows for a clean and immersive sound that combines crispness with depth—qualities that can lead to a distinct contrast when typing. Both switches present different sound signatures, making them suited to varying preferences, but each provides an auditory pleasure that enhances the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, Gateron Magnetic Jade switches have yet to be described, leaving an open question about their tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches present a well-rounded tactile profile. With their snappy responsiveness and polished consistency, they offer a lively typing sensation. The bouncy feedback makes each press feel dynamic, reminiscent of a springy action, while the accented tactility strikes a balance that appeals to users who seek a satisfying yet manageable tactile bump. The smoothness associated with these switches also contributes to an effortless typing experience, suggesting they might cater well to those who appreciate refined keystrokes.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches provide a bright and clacky sound that may excite those who appreciate auditory feedback, the Gateron Quinn switches deliver a deeper, resonant sound coupled with a unique tactile experience. The Quinn’s exceptional combination of snappy and polished feel, along with its rich audio, positions it distinctly among tactile switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, but both can offer enjoyable typing experiences tailored to different tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and enjoy a bright, clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade might be your best bet. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who favor a lively auditory experience and a sense of playfulness in their typing. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly heavier key feel with a deeper, more resonant sound profile, the Quinn is designed for you. With its snappy and polished tactile feedback, this switch offers a refreshed and engaging sensation that enhances your typing experience, making it great for more focused or prolonged typing sessions. So, whether you lean toward the dynamic acoustics and lighter feel of the Magnetic Jade or the robust feedback and immersive sound of the Quinn, both switches provide unique benefits tailored to different typing preferences.
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