Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Durock Sea Glass offer distinct yet appealing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Magnetic Jade is lauded for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it a top choice for users looking to enhance their typing experience with a more dynamic acoustic feedback—ideal for those who appreciate a tactile and auditory engagement while typing, especially on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches present a smooth and serene typing experience characterized by their unique dry and airy feel, despite their slightly heavier bottom-out force of 62g. With a delightful array of pastel colors, these switches not only look attractive but also deliver a frictionless, feathery touch that makes every keystroke feel effortless. While the Magnetic Jade excels in auditory feedback, the Sea Glass provides a gentle, almost ethereal typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your particular typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and Durock Sea Glass utilize different materials for their top housings, which fundamentally shapes their auditory profiles. The Magnetic Jade's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and translucency, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound when typing. The enhanced sound clarity from the polycarbonate, combined with its ability to transmit RGB lighting effects effectively, provides a distinct aesthetic as well as auditory appeal. In contrast, the Sea Glass features a top housing constructed from a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE. This composition results in a sound profile that is bright yet not overly sharp, yielding a more pleasant auditory experience. Thus, while both switches have high-quality constructions, the materials lead to different sound characteristics that could cater to varied user preferences.
When examining the bottom housings, the differences become less pronounced. The Magnetic Jade's nylon bottom housing typically produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's inherent sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Sea Glass also features a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, which delivers an equally pleasant sound that leans slightly brighter but avoids sharpness. This similarity in construction may yield comparable sound profiles for the bottom-out experience despite their different top housings. The nylon's ability to absorb sound lends both switches a deeper character, creating a softer and more rounded auditory experience, thus emphasizing how the bottom housing influences the overall sound and feel during key presses.
Overall, while the Magnetic Jade and Durock Sea Glass differ in their top housing materials—giving each switch a distinct sound profile at the top—their use of similar nylon blends for the bottom housing serves to unify some aspects of their acoustic experience. When typing on either switch, the characteristics dictated by the top housing will come through upon release, whilst the fundamental qualities of the key feel and bottom-out sound will be shaped by the nylon construction in the bottom. Ultimately, individuals may find that switching between these two options offers nuances in sound and feel; however, the shared elements of the bottom housing will create a familiar typing experience that blends depth with brightness across both designs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces stand out. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer effortless typing over extended periods, such as in a work environment or during lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Glass has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel while typing. This distinction highlights that while both switches serve different preferences, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option, catering to users seeking a softer touch, whereas the Sea Glass is designed for those desiring a firmer key feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Magnetic Jade measuring 3.5 mm and the Sea Glass at 3.8 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the Sea Glass offers a longer travel distance, providing a more traditional feel that some users might prefer for a more substantial tactile experience. If you're looking to achieve a quicker actuation, the Magnetic Jade might suit your needs better, whereas the Durock Sea Glass would be the choice for those who enjoy a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance can significantly influence your typing experience, depending on your personal preferences for responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 switch is known for its bright and clacky auditory profile, making it a lively option that enhances the overall typing experience. This cheerful sound is especially appealing for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass switch produces a uniquely hollow sound signature, which diverges from the typical clack of mechanical switches. This hollow sound contributes to a perception of lightness and airiness, making it quite distinct. The differences in sound between these two switches can cater to various preferences, with the Jade appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory element and the Sea Glass attracting users who prefer a softer, more subdued acoustic experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is characterized by its engaging tactile feedback, which adds a layer of satisfaction to every keystroke. While the specific descriptions of its feel are not provided, the assumption is that it provides a stimulating typing experience similar to that of other Gateron switches. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is notably frictionless, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. With a mild and feathery touch, it allows fingers to glide over the keys without resistance, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. Its easy-to-press nature ensures that minimal force is required to activate the switch, which can be particularly beneficial for extensive use, whether for gaming or regular typing tasks. This combination results in a switch that feels light and responsive, highlighting the Sea Glass's exceptional comfort.
In summary, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Durock Sea Glass switches present unique qualities that can cater to differing preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Magnetic Jade offers a bright acoustic signature complemented by engaging feedback, ideal for those who savor an audible typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass switch impresses with its airy sound and smooth, effortless feel, great for extended usage without feeling fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these two types will depend on personal preference regarding auditory and tactile sensations, but both are crafted to enhance the typing experience in their own ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a lively and bright typing experience with a clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade is your go-to option. It's well-suited for those who appreciate a more dynamic auditory feedback and a medium-light bottom-out force, making it ideal for both gaming and general typing where you want to feel engaged with each keystroke. However, if you prefer a smooth, frictionless experience that offers both aesthetic appeal and a unique sound signature, the Sea Glass switch is a fantastic choice. Its medium weight combined with a distinct dryness and airiness leads to a typing experience that feels lighter than the numbers suggest, making it perfect for long typing sessions or creative work where comfort is key. Ultimately, consider what aspects—sound, feel, and intended usage—are most important for you to select the switch that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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