Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can drastically affect your typing experience, and two interesting options are the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Red Panda. The Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, recognized for their bright and clacky sound, are a preferred choice for users looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards, offering a unique combination of superior acoustic performance and a smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switches present a tactile experience characterized by a light to medium level of tactility, along with a rich, bassy bottom-out sound and a crisp, higher-pitched top-out sound, catering to those who appreciate a satisfying tactile feedback during typing. While the Magnetic Jade excels in delivering an immersive auditory experience, the Red Panda stands out for its tactile feedback that many typists find enjoyable. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Outemu Red Panda appear to be quite similar, particularly when examining their top housings. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, a choice that significantly enhances the acoustic profile of each switch. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, results in a sharper and crisper sound when the keys are actuation. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate contributes to an aesthetically pleasing effect, especially for users who utilize RGB lighting in their setups. This capability to deliver both aesthetic versatility and an enriched sound experience is a common thread between the two switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Magnetic Jade and the Red Panda utilize nylon, which is known for its soft and absorptive properties. The nylon material contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than the harder polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound during key presses. This unique combination of materials means that while both switches share the same type of sound enhancement at the top, they provide a distinctly different auditory experience at the bottom. Nylon's sound-absorbing characteristics help mask any noise that the polycarbonate top might amplify, creating a well-rounded typing experience.
Despite the differences in how the top and bottom housings influence sound profiles, both switches can offer a similar typing feel overall due to their combined materials. The crisp sound from the polycarbonate top marries well with the rounded sound from the nylon bottom to create an engaging tactile experience. Users can expect that pressing down on either switch will yield a satisfying auditory response, influenced by their unique material compositions. Ultimately, the shared use of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom creates a harmonious balance, ensuring that both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Outemu Red Panda provide an enjoyable and nuanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Magnetic Jade switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which may benefit users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option, while the Red Panda is the heavier one. The difference in forces suggests that users choosing the Magnetic Jade can expect a more delicate touch, while those opting for the Red Panda will encounter a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda measures at 3.3 mm. This makes the Red Panda the shorter option, delivering a slightly more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quick actuation. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade provides a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth while typing or gaming, offering a more tactile experience. Consequently, users looking for faster response times might lean towards the Outemu Red Panda, while those who appreciate a bit more travel may prefer the Gateron Magnetic Jade.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 produces a bright and clacky sound that caters to users who appreciate a vibrant auditory feedback during typing. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a sharp, clear tone. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a more nuanced auditory palette, featuring a lighter medium tactility paired with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound that is complemented by a clackier, higher-pitched top-out. The combination of these sounds creates a richer and more textured auditory experience, making the Red Panda switch feel more dynamic without losing its approachable characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switches are celebrated for providing an engaging and responsive typing experience, though specific tactile feedback details may not be explicitly stated. In contrast, the Red Panda switch is characterized as mild, presenting a gentle typing experience that balances comfort and responsiveness. This quality makes the Red Panda a versatile option for a wide array of users, as its softly pronounced characteristics allow for a more friendly tactile feedback without overwhelming the typist.
In summary, both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Magnetic Jade excels in bright and clacky sounds, showcasing a lively typist's environment, while the Outemu Red Panda provides a more contemplative auditory experience with its bass-heavy tones. In terms of feel, the Jade switches are engaging and responsive, while the Red Panda leans toward a broader appeal with its mild characteristics. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a pronounced sound profile and touch or a balanced, approachable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a lighter typing experience with a brighter, clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without much fatigue, especially if you appreciate a more pronounced acoustic profile that enhances your keyboard's soundscape. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced tactile experience with a thocky sound profile, the Outemu Red Panda would be your go-to option. With its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams, it offers a mild tactile feedback that blends well with a rich, deep sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying yet approachable typing experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you—be it sound, feel, or actuation force—and select the switch that aligns best with your typing needs.
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