Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon can significantly impact your typing experience. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize acoustics and an engaging keyboard feel. Its unique design enhances the overall typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon exemplifies the beauty of linear switches, offering a smooth, seamless keystroke through its progressive spring and KTT's innovative dry-lube technology. This results in a buttery typing experience that many users find desirable for extended typing sessions or gaming. While both switches cater to different preferences—sound and tactile feedback versus smoothness and subtlety—understanding their unique characteristics will help you make an informed decision. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches share a significant similarity in their top housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate. This commonality leads to an identical sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to this clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a vibrant auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucence of the polycarbonate top housing enhances compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing for visually appealing effects when the switches are illuminated. Thus, when it comes to the top housing, users can expect a consistent sound experience from both switches.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials of the Magnetic Jade and Sea Salt Lemon differ, as both utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its unique sound characteristics. The nylon used in the bottom housing of both switches tends to absorb sound more effectively due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that rounds out the sharpness provided by the polycarbonate top. While the top housing creates a specific sound contour upon releasing a key, the soft and absorbent nature of the nylon bottom housing influences the overall feel and sound when the switch is bottomed out. Consequently, while users can experience an appealing auditory consistency from the top housing of both switches, the bottom housing introduces different dimensions to their sound signatures.
In summary, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing for both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches presents a well-rounded auditory experience. The shared use of polycarbonate results in similar crisp sounds during key releases, while the nylon effectively delivers fuller sound when keys are pressed down. This allows both switches to cater to diverse preferences, appealing to those who value the sharpness of polycarbonate as well as the warmth of nylon, ultimately enhancing the typing experience. The interplay between these materials ensures that users can enjoy not only aesthetic properties but also a tailored auditory feedback that suits their individual tastes in keyboard functionality.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke, which is advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming marathons. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams, providing a heftier feel that some users prefer for a more substantial typing experience. However, regarding the bottom out force, the Magnetic Jade has a bottom out force of 55 grams, slightly exceeding the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams. Overall, the Magnetic Jade is the lighter option, benefitting those who favor a softer touch for extended use, while the Sea Salt Lemon may appeal to users looking for a firmer feedback with an actuation force that is noticeably heavier.
Travel distance
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the shorter option, leading to potentially quicker response times, which can be particularly appealing for gamers seeking that rapid feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial and reassuring depth when pressed, catering to those who prefer a more tactile and less abrupt experience. Therefore, choosing between these switches will largely depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth; with the Magnetic Jade offering a swifter action, and the Sea Salt Lemon providing a more traditional feel.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 switch produces a bright and clacky sound, which is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This sound profile makes it ideal for an engaging and lively typing atmosphere, especially in gaming or creative writing scenarios where such acoustics can enhance the overall experience. In comparison, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound. This creates a mellow auditory environment that is softer and less intrusive, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings where a quieter workspace is preferred. The differing sound characteristics highlight the personal preferences of users; the lively clack of the Magnetic Jade and the subtle tones of the Sea Salt Lemon cater to different types of keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of feel, the Magnetic Jade offers a unique experience that isn't explicitly detailed; however, it is renowned for its exceptional typing experience that is enhanced by its magnetic hall effect technology. This technology often results in a smooth but firm actuation. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild typing feel, characterized by its buttery smooth operation thanks to the progressive spring and dry-lube design. This makes the Sea Salt Lemon approachable and user-friendly, appealing to both new and experienced typists who seek a comfortable, less aggressive typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer distinct experiences that cater to varying preferences. The Magnetic Jade excels in delivering an engaging and bright sound, which pairs well with its smooth feel, making it ideal for a dynamic typing environment. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon focuses on a subtle, low-pitched sound paired with a gentle, mild feel, making it suitable for quieter settings. Depending on individual requirements for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the final outcome heavily influenced by the specific mechanical keyboard setup and user preferences.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you’re looking for a more tactile experience that delivers a bright and clacky sound while providing a superior typing experience, the Magnetic Jade switches are an excellent choice. Their medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams contributes to a satisfying keypress that can elevate your gaming or typing sessions, making them ideal for those who appreciate acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more subdued typing experience that is also versatile for various settings, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be more suitable. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams, its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, neutral sound profile make it an approachable option, perfect for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. Therefore, your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize acoustics and tactile feedback or a smoother, more versatile typing experience.
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