Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Magnetic Jade and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out for distinct reasons, catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, excels in producing a bright and clacky sound, making it an ideal choice for users looking to enhance the auditory experience of their typing while improving the overall acoustics of their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, classified as a linear switch, offers a medium-weight feel with a smooth action and a thocky sound profile, providing a premium typing experience without breaking the bank. While both switches promise an upgrade to your keyboard setup, they cater to varying tastes—whether you prioritize sound and feedback or a smoother, quieter 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, one observes a marked difference in the composition of the top housings. The Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This quality lends itself to a more resonant typing experience and is particularly advantageous if users are looking to enhance their RGB lighting effects, given polycarbonate's translucency. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM top housing, which is notable for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. The softer nature of POM contributes to an overall less defining sound, emphasizing a different auditory experience that may appeal to those who favor subtlety over sharpness in their typing acoustics.
Examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize materials that yield a fuller and deeper sound. The Magnetic Jade's nylon bottom housing is noted for its classic properties, absorbing sound more effectively and producing a duller and rounder auditory response. This contrasts slightly with the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing, which also aims for a muted sound but in a slightly different manner. While both bottom housings contribute to a deeper sound profile, the nylon brings a familiar softness, while POM offers a unique quality that balances on the edge of featureless and distinctive. Ultimately, the choice of material influences the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound in distinct yet complementary ways, allowing for versatile user preferences in typing feel.
In summary, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie showcase different materials for their top housings—polycarbonate versus POM—their bottom housings exhibit similarities in producing a deeper sound profile. This contrast in the top housings leads to a clear differentiation in sound characteristics when a key is released, yet both switches benefit from the rounded quality of their respective bottom materials when pressed down. Therefore, even with their differing top housing compositions, users can achieve satisfying results in terms of sound and feel, allowing for personal preference to dictate which switch might be more appealing for their needs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a clear distinction can be made in their actuation forces. The Magnetic Jade features a relatively light actuation force of 30 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's actuation force is notably heavier at 48 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Additionally, the Magnetic Jade has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light tactile feedback upon fully pressing the key. Meanwhile, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding its resistance when bottoming out. Consequently, users seeking a lighter touch should gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade, whereas those preferring a firmer typing experience might opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Magnetic Jade has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Sea Salt Smoothie has a longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress and a deeper feel. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Magnetic Jade at 3.5 mm could appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Overall, users looking for more responsiveness might favor the Magnetic Jade, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience might opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 hall effect switch produces a bright and clacky noise that elevates the auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for users seeking pronounced acoustics. This switch's sound profile can enhance the overall typing atmosphere, particularly suitable for gamers and typists who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a thocky sound that results in a deeper and more muted sound signature. This switch provides a softer auditory experience that many users find pleasing for their everyday typing tasks. Ultimately, both switches deliver distinct sound characteristics, with the Magnetic Jade favoring a louder and more vibrant output, while the Sea Salt Smoothie tends to be quieter and more subdued.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade offers a unique tactile experience that is responsive and engaging, especially appreciated in the context of gaming and fast-paced typing scenarios. The nature of hall effect technology contributes to a solid and reliable sensation, making each keystroke feel satisfying. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by its medium weight and exceptional smoothness, which allows for effortless typing with minimal resistance. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a slightly softer push without compromising on feedback, creating a truly enjoyable tactile experience.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches have their unique sound profiles and feel characteristics, they cater to different preferences within the typing community. The Magnetic Jade stands out with its bright and clacky sound along with a responsive feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a softer thocky sound combined with a smooth typing experience. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one seeks.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a bright and clacky sound profile and are looking for a more tactile experience while typing, the Magnetic Jade would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams allows for quick actuation, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios, especially if you're using a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard that can leverage its unique features. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, quieter experience with a more subdued thocky sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be more to your liking. This switch offers exceptional smoothness while typing, making it a fantastic choice for long typing sessions or work environments where noise could be an issue. Furthermore, its versatile POM construction adds to its quality without breaking the bank. In essence, if you crave a dynamic sound and responsive feel, go for the Magnetic Jade; but if you prefer a more refined and pleasant typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the way to go.
Mentioned in this article
