Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the unique characteristics of different models. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance the acoustic experience of their keyboard, especially in setups featuring a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. In contrast, the KTT Rose is a linear switch that embodies a blend of beauty and performance; its progressive springs deliver a uniquely substantial typing feel without being burdensome, producing a soft, low-pitched thock reminiscent of bassy raindrops during use. While the Magnetic Jade excels in creating an engaging auditory feedback, the KTT Rose focuses on delivering a smooth, cushioned keystroke. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Rose switches share notable similarities in their top housing materials, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes both switches particularly suited for use with RGB lighting, offering an aesthetically pleasing illumination effect. Since both switches incorporate this same material for their upper housings, users can expect a very similar auditory experience when typing, underscoring the idea that the top housings of both switches will provide a consistent and bright sound signature.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials of the Magnetic Jade and KTT Rose are also made of nylon, which brings its own unique characteristics to the sound profile of each switch. Nylon is known for its softer texture, and as a result, it absorbs sound more effectively than its harder plastic counterparts. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more muted and rounded typing experience. While the top housing contributes to the clarity of the switch, the nylon bottom housing impacts the overall feel and sound when the key is bottomed out. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they will similarly embody this deeper sound quality when engaging the switches, affirming that users can expect a consistent typing sensation and auditory feedback.
In summary, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Rose switches share identical top and bottom housing materials, the combined effects of polycarbonate and nylon in their construction foster a nuanced auditory experience. The polycarbonate top housing ensures a bright and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing provides a richer, more rounded sound when bottoming out. As a result, users can experience a cohesive blend of sound characteristics across both switches, highlighting the effective combination of materials that achieves a balance between clarity and depth.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade features a relatively light actuation force of 30 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Rose switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, but its actuation force is unspecified, which leaves ambiguity regarding its initial keystroke pressure. However, based on its higher bottom out force, it likely provides a heavier feel compared to the Magnetic Jade, which caps at 55 grams for bottoming out. Therefore, for users who prefer a lighter typing experience with lower actuation force, the Magnetic Jade is the preferable choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial feedback should lean towards the KTT Rose due to its potentially heavier actuation force and bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, we see that the Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Rose measures 4 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter travel distances can facilitate quicker key presses. In contrast, the KTT Rose, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper, more pronounced actuation when typing. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Magnetic Jade would be the better choice, whereas if you value depth and a more traditional feel, the KTT Rose would likely satisfy those preferences.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is known for its bright and clacky nature, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a lively auditory experience while typing. This distinct sound can elevate the enjoyment of typing on a mechanical keyboard, especially for those who appreciate a bit of feedback in their acoustic feedback. In contrast, the KTT Rose switches produce a more subdued, bass-heavy sound, characterized as low-pitched. This gives them a mellow tone that is particularly pleasant and less intrusive in quieter environments. While the Magnetic Jade provides a more pronounced and vibrant sound, the KTT Rose tends to deliver a neutral auditory experience that might cater to both beginners and those in office settings.
When it comes to feel, the Magnetic Jade switch's characteristics are not provided, but the KTT Rose is known for its mildness and polished finish. This means that the Rose switches offer a gentle typing experience that can be enjoyed by a wide range of users, where the subtler characteristics create a comfortable typing sensation. The polished nature of these switches ensures smooth key travel, reducing friction during use, which can enhance the overall typing experience. While the specific tactile feedback of the Magnetic Jade isn't detailed, the Rose switches cater to those looking for a refined, approachable feel with an emphasis on smoothness.
In summary, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Rose switches each bring unique sound and feel qualities to the table, they cater to different preferences. The Magnetic Jade delights with a bright and engaging sound, while the KTT Rose offers a more mellow auditory experience with gentle and polished tactile feedback. Both switches provide distinctive advantages, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing style and acoustic preferences. Those who appreciate a lively sound may lean towards the Magnetic Jade, while users seeking a smoother and less intrusive typing experience may find solace in the KTT Rose.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switches and KTT Rose linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a lighter, more responsive key feel combined with a bright and clacky sound for an enhanced auditory experience, the Magnetic Jade would be your go-to option. Its medium-light bottom-out force (55 grams) makes it particularly suitable for fast-paced typists and gamers who prefer a less resistive switch, while the clacky acoustics elevate the enjoyment of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom-out force (63.5 grams) and appreciate low-pitched, bassy sounds, the KTT Rose switches may be the better fit for you. Their progressive springs offer a polished feel, resulting in a smooth typing experience that balances comfort with feedback, making them ideal for both casual typing and extended work sessions. Ultimately, consider what sounds and feels best to you, and choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and environments.
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