Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing needs, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Everglide Rice Pudding stand out as two premier options, both utilizing hall effect technology. The Magnetic Jade switches are celebrated for their bright and clacky sound, which not only enhances the auditory feedback of typing but also elevates the overall experience, making them a top pick for those who prioritize acoustics and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches provide a harmonious balance between smooth keystrokes and a deep sound signature, catering to users who seek precision in their typing experience while still enjoying satisfying feedback. Both switches are fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts looking for performance and versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that perfectly suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Everglide Rice Pudding utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly contributes to their audible and tactile characteristics. Polycarbonate, as a stiffer and translucent plastic, provides a sharper, more resonant sound profile, which is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize sound clarity, especially when using RGB lighting. The construction of these switches allows for similarly high-pitched, crisp sounds, ensuring that both the Magnetic Jade and Rice Pudding deliver comparable auditory experiences as you type. Aesthetic congruence is also present, given the translucency of polycarbonate, making both switches ideal for those who wish to showcase RGB lighting effects.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Magnetic Jade and the Rice Pudding are crafted from nylon, which brings an entirely different sound dynamic to the table. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This difference becomes particularly noticeable during the bottoming out of the keys, as the nylon enables a more rounded and subdued auditory experience, resulting in a pleasant contrast to the crisper sounds achieved by the polycarbonate top. Since the bottom housing primarily influences the feel and sound during key presses, this combination allows users to enjoy a unique balance between the two materials.
Ultimately, the distinctive characteristics of both the Magnetic Jade and Rice Pudding switches create a well-rounded typing experience. With polycarbonate providing a high-pitched clarity in the top housing and nylon introducing depth in the bottom, the interplay of these materials defines the sound profile and responsiveness of each switch. Despite their differences in sound characteristics derived from the materials used in their bottom housings, users can expect an appealing and nuanced overall performance that showcases the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon. This combination makes them comparable choices for enthusiasts seeking both aesthetic and auditory pleasure in their mechanical keyboard setups.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces become evident. The Magnetic Jade switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, whereas the Rice Pudding requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 38 grams. For bottom out forces, the Magnetic Jade also presents a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Rice Pudding's lighter 48 grams. This means that typists seeking a lighter touch may prefer the Magnetic Jade for its lower actuation force, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, those who prefer a sturdier typing experience might lean towards the Everglide Rice Pudding, which, despite its heavier actuation force, offers a softer landing when bottoming out. In summary, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option overall, while the Rice Pudding is the heavier choice, providing distinctly different tactile experiences based on user preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Consequently, the tactile feedback and engagement point will feel remarkably similar between the two, making them interchangeable in terms of travel distance performance. As both switches offer this uniform travel distance, users can expect comparable results when utilizing either option in their keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 switches produce a bright and clacky sound that can enhance the auditory experience of typing, making them particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustics profile. This characteristic is ideal for users looking to make their typing more lively and can add an energetic vibe to the experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer a deep, satisfying sound that strikes a balance between richness and clarity, delivering a robust audio feedback that many typists find rewarding. While both switches boast unique acoustic qualities, the Magnetic Jade leans toward a higher pitch, whereas the Rice Pudding provides a more subdued yet pleasing tone. It’s important to remember that the final sound output can also be influenced by individual preferences in keycap and board materials.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are crafted for a superior typing experience, likely characterized by a tactile response that many users crave during extended typing sessions or gaming. Their design promotes a sense of feedback that keeps the typist engaged. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are also designed for smooth operation, emphasizing a consistency and precision that ensures a reliable typing experience without any hindrances. While the specific tactile characteristics may differ, both switches aim to deliver satisfaction during use, catering to the preferences of typists who prioritize a comfortable and responsive feel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches excel in producing a bright and clacky sound with a possibly more tactile response, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches focus on delivering deep sound and smooth operation. Both options provide unique qualities that can greatly enhance the typing experience, making them solid choices for enthusiasts. Ultimately, your individual choice may rest on whether you prefer an energizing auditory experience or a more balanced and deep acoustic presence, along with the corresponding feel that each switch offers.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing force. If you favor a bright, clacky sound and are looking for a switch that provides a medium-light typing experience—ideal for those who enjoy a bit more tactile feedback—the Magnetic Jade should be your go-to option. It delivers a superior typing experience that enhances both acoustics and overall engagement, making it particularly attractive for users who appreciate dynamic typist feedback along with satisfying sounds. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Everglide Rice Pudding might be more up your alley. Its distinctive deep sound combined with smooth operation provides a well-rounded feeling, perfect for long typing sessions where precision and comfort are paramount. Plus, its full compatibility with Wooting keyboards ensures that you can leverage its performance optimally. Therefore, consider the type of sound and feel you lean toward and how important force feedback is in your typing experience; this will lead you to the switch that best fits your needs.
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