Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Everglide Sakura Pink represent two distinct philosophies in typing experience. The Magnetic Jade, known for its bright and clacky sound profile, is a hall effect switch that is favored by those looking to enhance their acoustics and overall typing experience, particularly on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches provide a feather-light actuation force of just 35g, making them ideal for delicate typists who prioritize a smooth and effortless feel. While the Sakura Pinks deliver a delightfully playful sound akin to popping bubble wrap, the Jades appeal to users seeking a superior auditory and tactile feedback during their typing sessions. Both switches offer unique benefits: the Magnetic Jade for its compelling audio experience, and the Sakura Pink for its buttery, frictionless operation. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Everglide Sakura Pink, it's evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which leads to a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, high pitch, and clarity. The polycarbonate's rigidity enhances the resonance of the sound produced, making the behavior of the keypresses feel more defined. Both switches also take advantage of the material's translucency for aesthetic purposes, offering the opportunity for vibrant RGB lighting effects. Thus, users who appreciate the visual allure of illuminated keys will find that both switches cater to this need equally, owing to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housings.
However, the bottom housings diverge significantly between the two models, with the Magnetic Jade utilizing nylon and the Sakura Pink employing polycarbonate. While the nylon bottom housing of the Magnetic Jade contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs sound more effectively, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink maintains the sharper, crisper sound that characterizes its top housing. As a result, the typing experience can dramatically differ between the two. The plushness provided by the nylon in the Magnetic Jade creates a softer impact when bottoming out, whereas the rigidity of the Sakura Pink’s polycarbonate bottom offers a more pronounced feedback, enhancing the overall keypress experience in contrasting ways.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Magnetic Jade and the Sakura Pink illustrates a nuanced interplay between sound profile and tactile feedback. Users may appreciate the Magnetic Jade for its warmer, more well-rounded typing sound due to the nylon bottom, while those seeking a sharper auditory experience might prefer the Everglide Sakura Pink. The effects of the differing materials become evident when the switches are actuated: the Magnetic Jade will provide a rounded, substantive sound on the bottom-out, while the Sakura Pink enhances the clarity of each keystroke with its crisp auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches carry the same properties in their top housings, the distinct bottom housing materials culminate in diverse typing experiences reflective of each switch's design philosophy.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch to the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Magnetic Jade switch has an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 35 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This variation indicates that users who prefer a lighter touch may find the Sakura Pink more appealing, especially for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who desire a more substantial feel might lean towards the Magnetic Jade. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that the Magnetic Jade provides a firmer experience during bottoming out, whereas the Sakura Pink offers a lighter actuation, catering to different user preferences in tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing the Magnetic Jade switch, the key travels a shorter distance compared to the Sakura Pink, which adheres more closely to the traditional travel measurement. For gamers seeking faster response times and a snappier feel, the shorter travel distance of the Gateron switch may be advantageous. However, those who prefer a more substantial depth and a less abrupt key press might favor the Sakura Pink switch with its longer travel distance of 4 mm. Thus, if you value responsiveness, the Magnetic Jade would be the better choice, while the Sakura Pink caters to those who enjoy a heartier feel during key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches deliver a bright and clacky tone, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate an audibly satisfying keystroke. This engaging sound profile enhances the typing experience, providing an auditory feedback that many typists find rewarding. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches produce a more muted sound, characterized by a subtle, delightful pop akin to bubble wrap being popped. While the Magnetic Jade offers a pronounced acoustic signature, the Sakura Pink leans toward a softer and quieter output, allowing for a more discreet typing environment. Ultimately, the sound experience varies greatly depending on the keyboard build and keycap material, but these distinct profiles cater to different preferences.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Magnetic Jade does not provide a specific description, leaving its tactile quality somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switches shine with their buttery and creamy feel, offering a smooth, gliding typing experience that feels almost luxurious. The lightweight actuation force of just 35g makes every keypress easy and enjoyable, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. The frictionless operation of the Sakura Pink further enhances this smoothness, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with minimal resistance. This difference in tactile sensation highlights the Sakura Pink’s focus on comfort and ease of use, making them ideal for delicate typists.
In conclusion, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Everglide Sakura Pink switches cater to different auditory and tactile needs among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Magnetic Jade excels in offering a bright, clacky sound ideal for those who seek an engaging auditory experience, while the Sakura Pink prioritizes a muted sound profile that provides a playful yet discreet typing atmosphere. The Sakura Pink also stands out for its effortless and buttery feel, designed to accommodate typists looking for a gentle touch. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences around sound and tactile feedback, but both can deliver enjoyable typing experiences suited to different styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a tactile and engaging typing experience coupled with a brighter, clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade may be the perfect match for you. This switch offers a medium-light 55g actuation force, making it suitable for those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing, which can enhance control and feedback, especially during gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys a lighter touch with imperceptible effort, the Sakura Pink’s 45g bottom-out force is designed for ease and comfort, ideal for lengthy typing sessions where fatigue can be a concern. The Sakura Pink's buttery and creamy feel, alongside its muted sound profile, makes it great for quiet environments, such as an office or shared workspace. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, desired sound profile, and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard.